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Robert Duvall’s Virginia roots AP PHOTO/RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, BOB BROWN

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I N S I D E …

LEISURE & TRAVEL

Visiting Confucius’ home town in China; plus, the lively cultural scene in Asheville, N.C., how to become an airport VIP, and Bob Levey ‘s reflections on elderhood page 39

ARTS & STYLE

A delightful rendering of Pride and Prejudice on the local stage; plus, Linda Lavin on her busy career and new CD Academy Award winning actor Robert Duvall, 80, talks with visitors in the living room of his home in The Plains, Va. Duvall has starred in movies for nearly 50 years. He appeared most recently in this fall’s Seven Days in Utopia, and has completed filming the upcoming movie Jayne Mansfield’s Car, directed by Billy Bob Thornton.

acted in it, Duvall said, “He’s a character. A very, very gifted guy. That guy is great.”

A life of “interesting” roles Versatile and prolific, Duvall has played scores of roles for big screen and small. He has performed in movies of great acclaim — including The Godfather, True Grit and M*A*S*H — and uttered some of Hollywood’s most iconic lines, such as “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” as the intense and surfing-obsessed Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now. Next year is the 50th anniversary of his first movie role: the reclusive Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird.

His characters have been tough and funny, gentle and odd, likeable and not. He doesn’t care; he just wants them to be interesting, which is why he insisted writers give his character in Utopia a bit of an edge after he read the original script and declared the rancher “too white-bread.” He is not afraid to take chances, even singing in Tender Mercies (1983) in which he played a recovering alcoholic country music singer — a role for which he won his only Academy Award for Best Actor. His favorite role? Gus McRae in the remarkably good 1989 television miniseries See DUVALL, page 56

page 54 FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Heart ops for the inoperable k An app that may improve vision LAW & MONEY k Give to charity — but wisely k Fast food stocks on upswing

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS 36 k Taking the law into their hands LIFETIMES k News from the Charles E. Smith Life Communities

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Tooting our horn Every year, we enter a selection of our story by Ruben about the growing popularoriginal stories in the editorial contests ity of tattooing among older adults, “Makrun by the two largest 50+ ing their mark with body art,” media associations: the Nawon a merit award. tional Mature Media Awards, The Mature Media competiand the North American Mation was for items published in ture Publishers Association 2010, so our Howard County (NAMPA) awards. edition was not yet eligible. But I am pleased to report that we were able to enter stories the Beacon once again came from our earliest Howard away from both competitions County editions in the NAMPA with some top honors. In fact, competition because it covered this year, all three of our Bea- FROM THE publications from July 2010 con editions — including our PUBLISHER through June 2011. new Howard County Beacon By Stuart P. Rosenthal So we were pleased that one of our first Howard Coun— won awards. The Mature Media awards draw entries ty cover stories, “When grown kids move from national publications, such as AARP back in,” written by Sorgen, won first place The Magazine, as well as local papers like in NAMPA’s feature writing category for ours. They are judged by recognized writ- papers with circulations under 50,000. ing and aging experts. By the way, the NAMPA competition is This year we won two silver awards. Our judged by the prestigious University of managing editor, Barbara Ruben, won one Missouri School of Journalism, and its for her cover story, “Two generations kiss judges provide comments with all awards. and tell,” about a mother and daughter The judges called Sorgen’s cover a “wellbookwriting team. We also won a silver researched, deftly written piece that proaward in the overall “newspaper” category vides context and solutions as well as lively for last year’s July issue. anecdotes.” Our Baltimore contributing editor, We are proud that our Washington ediCarol Sorgen, won bronze awards for two tion took second place for General Excelother cover stories — “Fitness leads to lence among papers with a circulation over ageless body,” and “Finding freedom on 100,000. two wheels.” A Greater Washington cover Here’s what the judges had to say about

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CORRECTION: In our October Volunteers & Careers feature, “Retirees inspire students to study science,” we inadvertently stated that volunteers at ReSet typically volunteer “about 10 hours a week.” Actually, ReSet expects volunteers to devote only 10 hours per semester. We regret the error and hope it has not deterred readers from volunteering.

Letters to the editor in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

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The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 61 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

I want to conclude by expressing my thanks to, and admiration for, the entire Beacon staff. They are truly committed (and often overworked), and I’d like to thank them by name for their excellent efforts and devoted contributions to the Beacon: Managing Editor Barbara Ruben, Contributing Editor Carol Sorgen, Director of Operations Gordon Hasenei, Director of Sales Alan Spiegel, Graphic Designer Kyle Gregory, Asst. Operations Manager (and webmeister) Roger King, Advertising Representatives Doug Hallock, Ron Manno, Steve Levin, Cheryl Watts and Dan Kelly, and last but certainly not least, my wife and Associate Publisher Judy Rosenthal. We also are grateful for the many contributions of our talented freelancers, including Robert Friedman and Anne Ball in Howard County, travel writers Victor Block and Glenda Booth, theatre reviewer Michael Toscano, and freelance photographer, Frank Klein. The Beacon would not exist without all of their efforts, nor without your reading our publications. My thanks to you all.

Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed

Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. • Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ........................Dan Kelly, Ron Manno, Cheryl Watts

us: “This publication is exceptional in scope, with comprehensive, well-researched sections…It addresses contemporary matters with both thorough explanations and practical solutions.” It was especially nice that our Baltimore edition took first place honors in General Excellence among papers with a circulation between 50,000 and 100,000. The judges said this about our Baltimore edition: “Sophisticated in content and presentation, the Baltimore Beacon doesn’t shy away from tough issues, such as medical marijuana, divorce and retirement resentment. This is a refreshing publication that gives readers tools to manage life’s challenges.” In addition, our Washington edition won first place in the senior issues category with Ruben’s cover story, “Sex, drugs and HIV after 50,” which the judges called “really important work on a subject of national importance.” And my January 2011 From the Publisher column, “Time to advocate” — in which I encouraged readers to support the independent existence of the Maryland Department of Aging through a letter-writing and email campaign — was awarded first place in the community service editorial category. Of course, the real reward of that column was in the success of the advocacy effort, made possible by the tremendous support of Beacon readers like you. Which leads me to note that, whatever awards we do or do not win, what always matters the most to us is what our readers think of us. We value your opinion, always welcome your input, and ask that you share your comments and suggestions with us via mail, e-mail, phone or fax. We love to hear from you.

Dear Editor: Thank you so much for your wonderful November cover story on me and the Piano Society. It has been generating many calls and emails. People were really moved by the article — something seemed to speak to them. Respondents have talked to me about going back to music, seeking lessons, requesting concerts/performances, wanting to come to our next concert; asking if they can join the Piano Society, etc. You are a great newspaper, reaching thousands of people and providing uplift, liveliness and encouragement to so many people. You have a wider impact than you know! Ellen Tenenbaum Piano Society of Greater Washington

Dear Editor: I read your newspaper all the time and find it interesting and useful, but I must say that I found your remarks about changes to Medicare very annoying. Annoying because there would be no reason to have to keep chipping away at Medicare, as is being done, if we stopped paying endless amounts of money to support unnecessary wars, stopped giving tons of money to very rich people, welfare to Wall Street, etc. All we have to do is share the governm e n t ’ s m o n e y f a i r l y. E v e r y y e a r Medicare benefits decrease, so those minor changes you mention really are not minor at all. Even if the changes do not afSee LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 60

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We’re Preparing for Winter Storms Here’s How You Can Prepare, Too The work we are doing now will help us provide more reliable service in the event of severe storms. We’ve been working hard to make our systems more reliable. And while we can’t prevent winter storms, we can take steps to address some of the most common causes of outages. We can also be better prepared to address outages when they occur.

5 Tips to Help You Prepare for Storms 1. Assemble a storm kit Include nonperishable foods, bottled water, a telephone with a cord or a cellphone, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, medicines, and infant supplies. 2. Develop an emergency plan and practice it regularly Identify special needs of family members, particularly infants and elderly persons. If someone relies on life-support equipment, identify an alternate location with power where they can go during a storm. 3. Protect electronic equipment Plug items such as computers, televisions and DVD players into electrical surge protectors. 4. Update your contact information Update your phone number to help us respond more quickly to outages. Call our Customer Care Service Center at 202-833-7500. Please have your Pepco account number. 5. Sign up for the Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program Customers who rely on electricity to power life-support equipment can learn of planned outages and severe weather that could disrupt power. To enroll, call 202-833-7500 or visit pepco.com.

To learn more about how we restore power, visit pepco.com, or to report an outage or downed wires, call 1-877-737-2662.

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Health Fitness &

PSA TESTS THAT FAIL PSA tests can trigger treatments with life-threatening side effects GOOD NEWS ABOUT MEDICARE Only a slight rise in premiums for most, while some will see a drop UNRAVELING THE BEST DNA Researchers seek to unlock the secrets of healthy longevity NUTRITION’S DARK HORSE Black foods, from beans to tea, contain especially abundant antioxidants

‘Inoperable’ heart patients get a solution By Matthew Perrone Federal health officials have approved a first-of-a-kind artificial heart valve that can be implanted without major surgery, offering a new treatment option for patients whose age or condition prevents them from undergoing the chest-cracking procedure that has been used to replace heart valves for decades. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it approved Edwards Lifesciences’ Sapien heart valve, which can be threaded into place through a major artery that runs from the leg up to the heart. Other companies have won approval for less-invasive heart valves before, but Edwards’ implant is the first replacement for the aortic valve, the heart’s main doorway. About 300,000 U.S. patients suffer from deterioration of the valve, which forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, often leading to heart failure, blood clots and sudden death. More than half of patients diagnosed with the condition, called aortic stenosis, die within two years, according to the FDA.

Helps those formerly rejected Every year about 50,000 people in the U.S. undergo open-heart surgery to replace the valve, which involves sawing the breastbone in half, stopping the heart, cutting out the old valve and sewing a new one into place. Thousands of other patients are turned away, deemed too old or ill to survive the operation. The Mayo Clinic’s Dr. David Holmes said the Sapien valve is a “game changer” for those inoperable patients, many of whom are in their 80s with medical conditions like diabetes, emphysema and liver disease. “We don’t have very good therapy for them at this time — some of them receive palliative care and some receive medication,” said Holmes, who is president of the American College of Cardiology. “But this is really a mechanical problem, and for mechanical problems medications don’t work very well.” The new valve is threaded through the femoral artery via a small incision in the leg, and then guided up to the heart via

catheter. The valve is then wedged into the aortic opening by an inflatable balloon, replacing the natural heart valve. The device is made from cow tissue and polyester, supported by a steel frame. FDA based its approval on a 365-patient study that compared outcomes for patients with the valve and those who received basic comfort care and other non-surgical treatment. After one year, 70 percent of patients with the valve were still alive, compared with only 50 percent of those who received alternatives. However, the device was associated with serious complications, including stroke and internal bleeding. Under the conditions of FDA approval, Edwards will track the medical history of all patients who receive the valve.

May also benefit the high-risk The device is approved only for patients who cannot undergo open-heart surgery. About 20,000 new U.S. patients will be eligible to receive a heart valve each year

based on the approval, according to Morgan Keegan analyst Jan Wald. The larger opportunity for the new valve is in patients who are healthy enough to undergo surgery, but are considered high-risk and could benefit from a less invasive procedure. The FDA is expected to clear the device for those patients next year, and analysts estimate that group could eventually number between 50,000 and 80,000 annually as the U.S. population ages. Edwards is expected to charge about $30,000 for the valve, though hospital fees could bring the total cost of surgery closer to $70,000. Standard heart valve replacement costs upward of $50,000, mostly from surgical and hospitalization fees. The company expects to train surgeons at 150 to 250 sites across the U.S. to implant the Sapien in the coming year. The valve has already been approved for four years in 40 countries around the world, including most of Europe. In most of those countries, Edwards already sells a next-generation version of the device. — AP

‘Super broccoli’ said to lower cholesterol By Maria Cheng Popeye might want to consider switching to broccoli. British scientists unveiled a new breed of the vegetable that exper ts say packs a big nutritional punch. The new broccoli was specially grown to contain two to three times the normal amount of glucoraphanin — a nutrient believed to help ward off heart disease. Glucoraphanin works by breaking down fat in the body, preventing it from clogging the arteries. It is found in significant amounts only in broccoli. “Vegetables are a medicine cabinet already,” said Richard Mithen, who led the team of scientists who developed the new broccoli at the Institute for Food Research in Norwich, England,. “When you eat this broccoli, you get a reduction in cholesterol in your blood stream,” he told Associated Press Television. An AP reporter who tasted the new broccoli found it was the same as regular broccoli. Scientists, however, said it should taste slightly sweeter because it contains less sulphur.

Not genetically modified To create the vegetable, sold as “super broccoli,” Mithen and colleagues crossbred a traditional British broccoli with a wild, bitter Sicilian variety that has no flowery head, but a big dose of glucoraphanin. After 14 years, the enhanced hybrid was produced, which has been granted a patent by European authorities. No genetic modification was used. It’s been on sale as Beneforte in select stores in California and Texas for the last year, and hit British shelves this month. Later this fall, the broccoli will be rolled out across the U.S. The super vegetable is part of an increasing tendency among producers to inject extra nutrients into foods — ranging from calcium-enriched orange juice, to fortified sugary cereals, and milk with added omega 3 fatty acids. In Britain, the new broccoli is sold as part of a line of vegetables that includes mushrooms with extra vitamin D, as well as tomatoes and potatoes with added selenium. Not enough data exists to know if any-

one could overdose on glucoraphanin, but vitamin D and selenium in very high quantities can be toxic.

Clinical trials underway Mithen and colleagues are conducting human trials comparing the heart health of people eating the super broccoli to those who eat regular broccoli or no broccoli. They plan to submit the data to the European Food Safety Agency next year so they can claim in advertisements that the broccoli has proven health benefits. “There’s a lot of circumstantial evidence that points to [glucoraphanin and related compounds] as the most important preventive agents for [heart attacks] and certain cancers, so it’s a reasonable thing to do,” said Lars Ove Dragsted, a professor in the department of human nutrition at the University of Copenhagen. Dragsted, who previously sat on panels at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, where he examined the link between vegetables and cancer, said glucoraphanin is a mildly toxic compound used by plants to fight insects.

In humans, glucoraphanin may stimulate our bodies’ natural chemical defenses, potentially making the body stronger at removing dangerous compounds, he said. Other experts said eating foods packed with extra nutrients would probably only have a minimal impact compared with other lifestyle choices, like not smoking and exercising. “Eating this new broccoli is not going to counteract your bad habits,” said Glenys Jones, a nutritionist at Britain’s Medical Research Council. She doubted whether adding the nutrients in broccoli to more popular foods would work to improve people’s overall health. “If you added this to a burger, people might think it’s then a healthy food and eat more burgers, whereas this is not something they should be eating more of,” Jones said. She also thought the super broccoli’s U.K. price — it costs about a third more than regular broccoli — might discourage penny-pinching customers. But that wasn’t enough to deter Suzanne See SUPER BROCCOLI, page 5

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From page 4 Johnson, a 43-year-old mother of two young children in London. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very concerned about the food they eat and would happily pay a bit more to buy something that has an added benefit,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said.

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Learn more about the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing options Check the boxes of communities from whom you would like to receive information with no obligation and mail or fax this form to the Beacon. Washington D.C. â??Friendship Terrace (See ad on page 25) â??The Georgetown (See ad on page 5)

Maryland â??Brightview (See ad on page 21) â??Brooke Grove (See ad on page 11) â??Charter House (See ad on page 12) â??Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 13) â??Country Meadows (See ad on page 33) â??Covenant Village (See ad on page 43) â??Emerson House (See ad on page 43) â??Homecrest House (See ad on page 27) â??Mrs. Philippines Home (See ad on page 43) â??Park View at Bladensburg (See ad on page 42) â??Park View at Columbia (See ad on page 42) â??Park View at Ellicott City (See ad on page 42) â??Park View at Laurel (See ad on page 42) â??Renaissance Gardens Riderwood (See ad on page 16) â??Revitz House (See ad on page 48) â??Riderwood Village (See ad on page 38) â??Ring House (See ad on page 49) â??Shriner Court (See ad on page 43) â??Springvale Terrace (See ad on page 29) â??Village at Rockville (See ad on page 6) â??Willow Manor (See ad on page 18)

Virginia â??Ashby Ponds (See ad on page 38) â??Chesterbrook Residences (See ad on page 26) â??Culpepper Garden (See ad on page 36) â??Forest Glen (See ad on page 18) â??The Glebe (See ad on page 31) â??Greenspring Village (See ad on page 38) â??Olley Glen Retirement Community (See ad on page 16) â??Park Place Apts. (See ad on page 9) â??Quantum Affordable Apts. (See ad on page 43) â??Renaissance Gardens Greenspring (See ad on page 16) â??Sommerset (See ad on page 23) â??The Sylvestery (See ad on page 21) â??The Virginian (See ad on page back page) Name________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State______Zip________________ Phone (day)__________________________(evening)_________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________________________

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As we age, the lenses in our eyes become less elastic, so they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t readily adjust to focus on nearby objects. Known as presbyopia, the condition is almost ubiquitous among people in their early 50s and above. In addition to the obvious reading problems, symptoms include tired eyes and headaches. The software trains users to detect patterns called Gabor patches. In a typical training session, the user fixates on a white circle, which then gives way to a rapid succession of images. Some are blank, but others show varied, blurry gray patches at different places on the screen, one of which will appear where the circle was. Users must determine when in the sequence the pattern appeared at the target position. As they become better at the

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Health shorts From page 5 task, the software adapts to alter the orientation of the patterns, place them closer to the target, or speed up the sequence. Tests of the software run at the University of California-Berkeley found that after 40 training sessions, volunteers averaging 51 years of age were able to read more than two lines further down an optical chart, corresponding to a reduction in “eye age” from 50.5 to 41.9 years. In addition, their newspaper reading speed increased by about 4 seconds per sentence. As expected, there were no differences in the eyes’ ability to focus after the training. “Every single change is in the brain,” said Uri Polat of Tel Aviv University in Israel, co-founder of Ucansi.

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Although the experiments were run using a PC, Ucansi’s first product will be an iPhone app because of the convenience of the device and its high-quality screen. The cost of the app is expected to be around $95, covering an initial training period of about three months during which users will train for 15 minutes, three times a week. After that there will be a small monthly fee for less-intensive “maintenance” training. Given that our eyes eventually lose their ability to focus on close objects, the app is unlikely to be a panacea for presbyopia. But Lee Duffner, an opthalmologist in Hollywood, Florida, who serves as a clinical expert for the American Academy of Opthalmology, suggests that it might delay the need to adopt reading glasses. — New Scientist Magazine

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Alzheimer’s can progress quickly or slowly People with Alzheimer’s disease seem to lose their cognitive functions either quickly or slowly and not deviate from this path throughout the whole of their illness. The finding could help people to understand how quickly they might deteriorate, as well as improve the design of trials for future treatments. Craig Thalhauser and Nathalia Komarova, at the University of California-Irvine, used a computer algorithm to analyze clinical data gathered over 23 years from almost 650 people with Alzheimer’s. The model showed that there are two distinct types of progression — quick and slow — through each stage of the disease. The average rate of progression through any one stage was up to two years faster for the quick group than the slow group. The model also showed that people do not switch rates. “If they are progressing fast then they will continue to do so,” said Komarova. “The course of progression is predefined from the start.” What causes the difference is unclear, although it could be due to genetic factors, such as genes for tau proteins that have been associated with the development of Alzheimer’s, Komarova said. A person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

could now compare the timing of the first stage of degeneration against Komarova’s dataset to work out which group they belong to. The discovery should also help to design more efficient clinical trials, as the number of fast and slow patients in placebo and treatment groups would affect the outcome. — New Scientist Magazine

No link between cellphones and cancer Danish researchers can offer some reassurance if you’re concerned about your cellphone: Don’t worry. Your device is probably safe. The biggest study ever to examine the possible connection between cellphones and cancer found no evidence of any link, suggesting that billions of people who are rarely more than a few inches from their phones have no special health concerns. The Danish study of more than 350,000 people concluded there was no difference in cancer rates between people who had used a cellphone for about a decade and those who did not have a cellphone. Cellphone users were also no more likely to get a tumor in the part of the brain See HEALTH SHORTS, page 7

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Rethinking benefits of prostate screening By Marilynn Marchione Terry Dyroff’s PSA blood test led to a prostate biopsy that didn’t find cancer but gave him a life-threatening infection. In the emergency room, “I didn’t sit, I just lay on the floor, I felt so bad,” said Dyroff, 65, a retired professor from Silver Spring, Md. “I honestly thought I might be dying.” Donald Weaver was a healthy 74-yearold Kansas farmer until doctors went looking for prostate cancer. A PSA test led to a biopsy and surgery, then a heart attack, organ failure and a coma. His grief-stricken wife took him off life support. “He died of unnecessary preventive medicine,” said his nephew, Dr. Jay Siwek, vice chairman of family medicine at Georgetown University. Since early October, when a task force of independent scientists said routine PSA testing does more harm than good, urologists who make a living treating prostate cancer have rushed to defend the test, as have patients who believe it saved their lives. Less visible are men who have been harmed by testing, as Dyroff and Weaver were. The harm is not so much from the test itself but from everything it triggers — biopsies that usually are false alarms, and treatments that leave many men incontinent or impotent for cancers that in most cases were not a threat. Once a PSA test suggests a problem,

Health shorts From page 6 closest to where phones are usually held against the head. The study was paid for by the government’s Danish Strategic Research Council. “Our study provides little evidence for a causal association, but we cannot rule out a small to moderate increase in risk for subgroups of heavy users,” said Patrizia Frei, of the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Copenhagen, Denmark, one of the paper’s authors. The advocacy group MobileWise,

many men can’t live with the worry that they might have cancer. And once cancer is found, most men feel they have to treat it, usually at the urging of their urologist. “There are many men who have had serious consequences from treatment. Those stories don’t get told and they are not uncommon,” said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, which thinks the task force reached “an appropriate conclusion” about the PSA test.

think it may have biased the whole study. If that center is excluded, no benefit from the PSA test is seen. • Myth #3: The task force’s stance goes

which believes cellphones pose a health risk, said the study wasn’t long enough to consider the long-term risk, since brain tumors can take decades to develop. Cellphones send signals to nearby towers via radio waves, a form of energy similar to microwaves. But the radiation produced by cellphones cannot directly damage DNA and is different from stronger types of radiation, such as X-rays or ultraviolet light. At very high levels, radio frequency waves from cellphones can heat up body tissue, but that is not believed to damage human cells. — AP

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What does PSA test really find? Many men who agree to a PSA test do not understand what it is. Misconceptions are common. • Myth #1: It shows cancer. In fact, PSA is just a measure of inflammation, and it can be elevated for many reasons besides cancer: normal enlargement of the prostate with age, an infection, even recent sex, a strenuous bike ride or horseback riding. • Myth #2: It’s been proven to save lives. Only two large, well-done studies have looked at this, the task force said. The American study found annual screening did not lower the chances of dying of prostate cancer. The other study, conducted in Europe, found a small benefit for certain age groups screened every two to seven years — not annually. However, one Swedish center had such rosy results that scientists

against past advice. It’s true that routine PSA testing has been supported by some

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

No matter how you fall, a better place to land. you...you havehave a better place to land.

The Nation’s First Seniors Emergency Center is Here for You At Holy Cross Hospital, we’ve created the first emergency center dedicated to patients age 65+. Designed by experts in seniors medicine, our innovative approach has become a national model. Here, physicians, nurses, pharmacists and social workers are specially trained in geriatric medicine. Our environment is quiet, private and calming. And after you go home, we follow up with a call to answer questions.

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The Seniors Emergency Center is located inside the main Holy Cross Hospital Emergency Center at 1500 Forest Glen Road in Silver Spring.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Prostate screening From page 7 advocacy groups and by urologists, the doctors who do the tests and treatments. But it has not been pushed by major scientific groups, the American Cancer Society or the government. • Myth #4: It finds cancer early so you’re more likely to survive. About 90 percent of prostate cancers found through screening are early-stage. Most will grow so slowly they will never threaten a man’s life, but there’s no good way to tell which ones will. Research suggests that tumors causing symptoms are more likely to warrant treatment than those that are not. Also, finding aggressive prostate tumors early may not affect how lethal they prove to be. The PSA test may just let men learn of them sooner than they otherwise would.

Half may not need treatment The task force said that in the European study, the rate of overdiagnosis from PSA screening — finding cancers that do not need to be treated — was estimated to be as high as 50 percent. Based on that study, 1,410 men would have to be screened, and 48 patients would have to be treated, just to save one life from prostate cancer. Yet the public perception is that if PSA testing finds a cancer early, it must be good. “Most people tend to think, ‘if it may help, I’m all for it.’ But we don’t know if it will help,” said Siwek, the Georgetown doctor whose uncle died. Once a PSA test suggests a problem, “it’s hard to stop the conveyor belt or the cascade effect” that leads to more testing and treatment, said Siwek, who also is editor of the journal American Family Physician. “The inclination is, ‘I’ve got to do something about it.’” Dyroff, the retired professor, agreed to

a biopsy after a blip in his PSA. Several days later, he ran a high fever, felt weak and faint, and spent three days in the hospital fighting a bloodstream infection. A week later he relapsed and required a combination of intravenous antibiotics to finally recover. A recent Johns Hopkins University study found surprisingly high rates of hospitalization after prostate biopsies and a 12fold greater risk of death in those who develop infections. The need to find a better screening tool is the real message from the task force, said Dr. Christopher Logothetis, prostate cancer research chief at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. It may even be that there are better ways to use the PSA — employing it as a baseline test and tracking its rise over time — that might prove better than annual testing. “If the debate gets reduced to, ‘there’s a right and a wrong,’ we will lose what we

are being told here, which is to search for the path forward,” he said. The cancer society’s Lichtenfeld agreed. “Maybe it’s time to listen to evidence instead of hope,” he wrote in his blog. To read the task force’s recommenda-

tions, go to www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm. Its report is available at http://bit.ly/ovhKUW. A PSA decision guide can be found at http://bit.ly/cXq1QE. — AP

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Are you a caregiver who would like to join a support group without leaving home? Fairfax County offers free phone support groups the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the discussion will be “Making the Most of the Holiday Season While Caregiving.” To register or for more information, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/caregiver.htm or call (703) 324-5484.

Dec. 9

REDUCE STRESS THROUGH TIME MANAGEMENT

Learn how effective time management can help reduce stress levels and lead to a more enjoyable life. The free seminar will take place at Holy Cross Hospital Senior Source, 8580 Second Ave., Silver Spring, Md. on Friday Dec. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. To register, call (301) 754-8800 or go online to www.holycrosshealth.org.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How much will Medicare cost you in 2012? By Jim Miller New Medicare premium, deductible and co-pay charges for 2012 were all announced last month, and the news was actually pretty good. Here’s a breakdown of what retirees can expect to pay for Medicare starting in January. For most Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in 2009 or earlier, your monthly premiums for Part B (which covers doctor visits and outpatient care) will increase only $3.50 to $99.90 in 2012. That’s much less than was predicted by the government earlier in the year.

The increase is the first in four years for most people with Medicare, mainly because of the federal law that freezes Part B premiums when there’s no Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which was the case in 2010 and 2011. But, Social Security recently announced a 3.6 percent COLA for 2012. That 3.6 percent increase will boost monthly Social Security checks by an average of about $43 for retirees next year. So, even after your Part B premiums get deducted from your Social Security checks, you’ll still have about $40 more every month.

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deductible for Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care, will rise by $24, to $1,156 next year. For more information on all the Medicare premiums and coinsurance rates for 2012, see www.medicare.gov/cost or call 1-800-633-4227.

Help with premiums If you’re a high-income beneficiary and your income has fallen since 2010 (the tax year used to determine your 2012 premiums), you may be able to reduce or eliminate your Medicare Part B premium surcharge. To qualify, your income loss must be tied to a life-changing event, such as a marriage or divorce, a job loss or reduced work hours (including retirement), loss of income from income-producing property, or cuts in pension benefits. To learn more, see www.ssa.gov/pubs/10536.html. And for lower-income retirees who are having a difficult time paying their Medicare costs, help is available through Medicare Savings Programs. These are Medicaid-administered programs that pay Part B premiums and, depending on your finances, may even pick up the tab on your copayments and deductibles. To find out if you qualify, contact your local Medicaid office (call 1-800-6334227 for local numbers). Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

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The news for younger retirees is even better. Medicare Part B beneficiaries who enrolled in 2010 and have been paying $110.50 per month, and those that enrolled this year who are currently paying $115.40 per month, will see their Part B premiums go down to $99.90. And for high-income beneficiaries, who’ve been paying higher Part B premiums because their annual incomes are more than $85,000 (or $170,000 for joint filers), they too, will see their monthly Part B premiums drop in 2012. Here’s a breakdown of what they will pay next year based on their income level: • Individuals with incomes of $85,000 to $107,000, or married couples filing joint tax returns with incomes of $170,000 to $214,000 will pay $139.90 per person per month for Part B. That’s a $21.60 monthly reduction from this year’s premium. • Individuals earning $107,000 to $160,000, or married couples with incomes of $214,000 to $320,000, will pay $199.80 – a $30.90 monthly reduction. • Individuals with incomes of $160,000 to $214,000, or couples with incomes of $320,000 to $428,000, will pay $259.70 – a $40.20 monthly reduction. • Individuals earning over $214,000 or couples above $428,000 will pay $319.70 each per month for Part B. That’s $49.40 less per month than this year. Other Medicare changes you need to know about that will affect all beneficiaries includes the Part B deductible, which will be $140 in 2012, a decrease of $22. And the

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Brooke Grove’s Walk to End ™ Alzheimer’s Team Raises $31,000 Brooke Grove Retirement Village’s (BGRV) 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer’s™ team raised more than $31,000 to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area. This year’s total significantly surpassed the team’s goal of $20,000 and represents the highest amount ever raised by BGRV, a long-time supporter of the cause! Hundreds of enthusiastic participants joined emcees Bob Madigan (WTOP) and Pamela Brown (WJLA) on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the November 5 Walk to End Alzheimer’s™. The throng of people “On the Move” to end Alzheimer’s included 64 BGRV employees, volunteers, resident family members and friends. Nearly 100 BGRV team members also joined forces prior to the event to Brooke Grove team members "On the Move" at the Walk to End Alzheimer's™ raise awareness of the disease and to raise funds. Captain Janet Wright, BGRV’s ($3,010), Brooke Grove BGRV began this year’s BGRV assisted living residents, director of admissions. “It’s Foundation President Keith Gibb fundraising efforts with a including many diagnosed with exciting to be part of such a ($1,979) and Janet Wright Concert and Dance to End Alzheimer’s, showed their support Alzheimer’s on May 1. Produced committed, growing effort that can ($1,270). “I am so grateful to each of the organization’s team and the member of our team and to all by James Hubert Blake High ‘touch people’s lives’ in such a fight against the disease by those who supported us by School Senior Ashley Larkin in meaningful way.” participating in a group walk on participating in the walk or partnership with BGRV, the event Top BGRV fundraisers for the campus held the day prior to the raised more than $10,000. BGRV campaign include former resident making a donation,” concluded Walk to End Alzheimer’s™. Ms. Wright. also hosted the Washington-area family member Suzanne Carbone The Alzheimer’s Association is Walk to End Alzheimer’s Kickoff the world leader in Alzheimer’s Party in August and conducted a research, care and support, and it is raffle and yard sale. Local dedicated to finding not just the businesses, BGRV residents and cure, but preventative methods and family members supported the treatment. “We share the campaign with generous association’s passion for caring for donations in response to a direct those with Alzheimer’s, and we mail campaign. consider it a privilege to support the www.bgf.org “The enthusiasm of our team Walk as a corporate sponsor each increases each year and so does our 18100 Slade School Road • Sandy Spring, MD 20860 year,” remarked BGRV Director of fundraising total!” noted Team Marketing Toni Davis.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

New drug cuts deaths after a heart attack By Marilynn Marchione People recovering from a heart attack or severe chest pain are much less likely to suffer another heart-related problem or to die from one if they take a new blood-thinning drug along with standard anti-clotting medicines, a large study finds. But this benefit had a cost: a greater risk of serious bleeding, usually in the digestive tract. Still, some doctors said the drug, Xarelto, could become a new standard of care for up to a million Americans hospitalized each year for these conditions. A low dose of the drug substantially cut the risk of dying of any cause during the study. “Mortality trumps everything,” so a drug that improves survival is a win, said

Dr. Paul Armstrong of the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He had no role in the study, discussed at a recent American Heart Association conference in Florida and published online by the New England Journal of Medicine. The study was sponsored by the drug’s makers — Johnson & Johnson and Bayer Healthcare — and some researchers work or consult for the companies.

Older blood thinners differ Xarelto is approved now at higher doses for preventing strokes in people with a common heart rhythm problem and for preventing blood clots after joint surgeries. It works in a different way than aspirin and older blood thinners do.

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Dr. C. Michael Gibson of Harvard Medical School led a study testing it in 15,500 patients around the world who were leaving the hospital after a heart attack or severe chest pain from clogged arteries. All were prescribed aspirin and an older blood thinner. One-third also received a low dose of Xarelto, and one-third got a higher dose. After about a year on average, nearly 11 percent of those on just the usual medicines had suffered a heart attack, heart-related death or a stroke versus less than 9 percent of those on either dose of Xarelto. The lower dose proved better and safer. Fewer than 3 percent of those getting Xarelto died of any cause during the study, compared with 4.5 percent of those getting just the usual medicines. That translates to a 32 percent lower risk with Xarelto. “Our study group has been going for 27 years and we’ve not seen that” magnitude of benefit from a drug like this, said Dr. Eugene Braunwald of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the study’s chairman. To prevent a single heart-related death, heart attack or stroke, only 56 people would need to be treated for two years with a low dose of the drug, Gibson said. However, serious bleeding was nearly four times more common with Xarelto, including bleeding in the head, a potentially disabling side effect. Fatal bleeding was no greater with Xarelto, however. “There’s a trade-off” between thinning the blood to prevent clots and raising the risk of bleeding, said Dr. Roger Blumenthal, preventive cardiology chief at Johns

Hopkins Medical Center.

An expensive option Cost is another issue. Usual care for these patients is changing with newer drugs that have come on the market since this study started. One — ticagrelor, sold as Brilinta in the U.S. and other brands elsewhere — also proved beneficial for similar patients taking just aspirin instead of pricier additional medicines used in the Xarelto study. Xarelto’s makers will seek approval to sell it to people like those in this study by the end of the year, a Johnson & Johnson spokesman said. A price has not been set, but the higher doses sold now for other purposes run more than $7 a day. The good results with Xarelto contrast with the disappointing ones from an experimental blood thinner by Merck & Co., vorapaxar. The drug flopped in a key latestage study aimed at preventing heart attacks, strokes and other problems in people similar to those in the study of Xarelto — hospitalized for a heart attack or severe chest pain from clogged arteries. Vorapaxar gave no significant benefit when added to standard medicines in a study of 13,000 patients around the world. It also raised the risk of serious bleeding. Merck’s senior vice president of cardiovascular research, Dr. Michael Mendelsohn, said results due out early next year from another large study testing vorapaxar in different types of patients will tell more about that drug’s potential. — AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Some foods can fight damage done by fat By Sarah Henrich Excess body fat is linked to an array of chronic diseases — diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, including stroke. The U.S. Surgeon General estimates that more than 300,000 deaths per year are attributable to obesity. Despite the long-recognized link, only now are researchers understanding the connections between body weight and its health consequences. What’s more, evidence is accumulating that excess body fat impacts the brain, as well. Exactly how much fat we store — and especially where — reflects complex interactions between genes and the environment. But if the abundance of food is a cause, it may also be the cure. Some foods have special value in the battle of the bulge.

Are you an apple or pear? Your body shape determines the health effects of the fat you carry. Those who are pear-shaped — whose fat accumulates at the hips (typically women) — store fat for energy and use it when the body needs extra calories — say, during lactation and nursing. The apple-shaped gain fat in the abdomen, which is linked to fat-cell inflammation as well as diabetes. A newly identi-

fied protein in the apple-shaped, which stirs immune overreactivity, has kicked off efforts to find an inhibitor as a way to guard against the damaging effects of belly fat. Belly fat — even among people of normal weight — raises the risk of dementia later in life, researchers report. A 36-year study of middle-aged men and women found that those with excess abdominal fat were 2.3 to 3.6 times more likely (depending on their overall weight) to develop dementia in their 70s. Scientists suspect that long-term exposure to inflammation incited by the fat cells destroys brain neurons, reducing cognitive capacity. A newly discovered substance — sterculic oil, derived from the seeds of a tropical tree — suppresses an enzyme associated with insulin resistance, a major consequence of abdominal fat. Insulin resistance, by the way, is separately tied to cognitive decline. Increases in belly fat force the body to rev up insulin output, but resistance to insulin builds, resulting in diabetes and other metabolic ills. In tiny doses, sterculic oil restores insulin sensitivity. It may also curb belly fat itself. Researchers hope to create a protec-

tive nutritional supplement from the odorless oil.

Fish fanatics and wine lovers Despite an obesity rate of 70 percent, the Yup’ik Eskimos of Alaska don’t have the usual diseases linked to excess body fat. Researchers now find that the makeup of their diet provides unusual protection against diabetes and heart disease. The Yup’ik eat 20 times more fatty fish than other Americans, consuming high levels of omega-3 fats DHA and EPA, primarily from salmon and sardines. The omega-3s likely block rises in levels of fatty triglycerides and inflammatory C-reactive protein that usually accompany obesity.

Red wine and grape juice may also be protective, thanks to resveratrol, the antioxidant found in red grapes and red wine. Basque researchers have shown that, in mice and men, it blocks lipid accumulation in adipocytes and activates the breakdown of fats in the fat cells. It essentially mimics the effect of calorie restriction and, like it, may prolong life. One glass of red wine with low-cal meals, say researchers, could be a “useful tool for reducing body fat.” It looks increasingly possible to diet, shrink body fat, and enjoy the process, as well. — Psychology Today Magazine © 2011 Sussex Publishers. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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BEACON BITS

Dec. 7+

PARKINSON’S EXERCISE CLASS The Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Areal sponsors

a free exercise class at Georgetown University Hospital on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. The class is taught by licensed therapists specializing in rehabilitation for Parkinson’s disease. It will be held in Room CG-12 of the hospital’s Bles Building, 3800 Reservoir Rd., N.W., Washington, D.C. for more information, contact Lisa Ebb at (202) 444-3690 or LME5@gunet.georgetown.edu. Top 1% of Agents Nationwide Top 10 Agents Weichert Montgomery County, Jan - June 2011 Community Resident • Former Mont. County Teacher

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RENTAL – Sherwood Coop Effiency Fully renovated, patio, extra storage, all utilities incl, 635sf., $850/mo.

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Some of Sue’s Fall SOLDS ★ Warfield Garden ★ ★ Overlook High Rise “C”; 2 “G”s ★ ★ Expanded St. Andrews Patio Home★ ★ Fairways High Rise “F” ★ ★ Turnberry High Rise “L” ★ ★ Regency Single Family, NV Falconcrest ★ SUE SOLD 28½ LW COMMUNITY PROPERTIES YEAR TO DATE!

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TLC’s Family Hearing Center

You can also meet her by appointment at either the Leisure World Plaza Weichert Office or the 2nd Office inside the community.

2092 Gaither Rd, Suite 100 Rockville, MD 20850 Attendees are eligible for a complimentary hearing aid demonstration.

REDUCED – Blair Garden Cooperative Affordable 1BR, 1FB totally renovated, new apls, carpet, paint. Lrg LR, sep DR, open balcony. All utilities, most repairs incl, 800 sf., $44,000

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Office: 301-681-0550 x 115 Email: sueheyman@aol.com

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Health Studies Page

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Looking for particularly healthy seniors Researchers are seeking America’s “healthy elderly” — those 80 and older with no history of chronic disease — to help them unlock the genetic secrets behind lifelong health. A study dubbed “Wellderly” by Scripps Genomic Medicine plans to analyze the complete genomes of some of the healthiest older Americans to help pinpoint why some people remain healthy into their 80s, 90s and beyond. A complete genome reveals not only genes but also other DNA that’s responsible for regulating genes. It’s “the full monty,” showing DNA elements that are key for illness and health, said Dr. Eric Topol, the study’s principal investigator. “We all carry genes that make us susceptible to diseases, but some of us avoid

the major illnesses that afflict others. A great many people carry the genes that cause heart attack, cancer and other diseases, but some have modifier genes that cancel out their risk,” Topol said. “It’s nature’s way of protecting them.”

Participate by mail While the study will be based in Southern California, participants can enroll throughout the country. Those in California will come in to Scripps to give blood samples or have a nurse visit their house. Participants elsewhere will submit a saliva sample by mail after completing an interview by phone. Scripps will mail a packet that contains the consent form, the saliva collection cup, and instructions for participating together

COPD OR EMPHYSEMA? If you are at least 40 years of age, current or ex-smoker, with COPD, you may be eligible to participate in a 26 week research study of an investigational medication for COPD. s #OMPENSATION FOR TIME AND TRAVEL MAY BE PROVIDED s -ETRO !CCESSIBLE s 0ARKING AT NO CHARGE

with a pre-paid return mailer. Because the study is seeking more than 1,000 participants, each individual will not see his or her results. However, study participants will be updated on the overall findings of the study. No compensation is offered to participants. In the research, samples will be labeled with a barcode and number, and researchers will not see your name or any other personal information to protect privacy. If volunteers decide they no longer want to be part of the study, they can call Scripps, and the DNA sample will be destroyed.

Who qualifies for the study? Participants must be 80 years or older and not have a history of any of the flowing conditions: cancer (except for some skin cancers), heart disease, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, chronic kidney disease, an autoimmune condition (such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s or lupus), diabetes, or an aneurysm.

People with the following conditions can take part in the study: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, controlled high blood pressure, prostate enlargement, high cholesterol and hypothyroidism. One of the challenging parts of the study is locating participants — because such healthy people don’t spend much time in healthcare facilities, Topol said. “The logistics are tricky, but we have to find them,” he said. “We think as people learn about this program, they’ll want to participate as a way to help benefit the health and well being of future generations. “Why are these people Teflon-coated?” Topol asked. “Why don’t they get disease? There’s been too much emphasis on disorders per se and not enough on the people who are exceptionally healthy,” to learn from their genomes, Topol said. “Now we have the powerful tools to do that.” For more information on the study, call 1-800-727-4777 or email wellderly@scrippshealth.org.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 10

MACULAR DEGENERATION PROGRAM All are welcome to the Macular Degeneration Network’s holiday

program on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Guest speaker will be Keith Federman, senior fitness trainer and health and wellness counselor at

Please contact Kim at (301) 962-1610 or iaaresearchkimberlly@yahoo.com if interested.

Montgomery College. The program will be held at Sibley Memorial Hospital’s Private Dining Room #1 at the rear of the main cafeteria, 5255 Loughboro Rd.,

INSTITUTE FOR ASTHMA AND ALLERGY, P.C. | WHEATON, MD

Washington, D.C. For more information, call (202) 234-1010.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE NEUROIMAGING INITIATIVE

Alzheimer’s Disease Affects Many African American Families ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

This study looks to help predict and monitor the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease using: FDG-PET imaging scans MRI scans Amyloid PET imaging scans Biomarkers from the collection and testing of blood and cerebrospinal fluid NO STUDY DRUG IS USED IN THIS RESEARCH

To learn more about your chances of developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), join the

REVEAL Study (Risk Evaluation and Education for Alzheimer’s Disease)

In the REVEAL Study, you will receive: • Education about the genetics of AD • A personalized AD risk assessment For more information, contact Howard University Hospital

call: 202-865-3776

The study needs volunteers who: • Are between 55 and 90 years of age • Are fluent in English or Spanish • Either have a diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s disease, MCI, or are cognitively normal • Are in good general health • Are willing and able to undergo in-clinic assessments, memory testing and other test procedures • Have a study partner - a friend or relative who can accompany the volunteer to all clinic visits Participants cannot be involved in other clinical trials while in this study. Participant’s health will be closely monitored by a team of doctors and nurses. Participants will receive compensation for their time and costs incurred for travel, parking and meals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Saba Wolday, M. Sc., Howard University Hospital Swolday@howard.edu Phone: (202) 865-7895 • Fax: (202)865-4923 General Infomation: (202) 865-3776

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Researchers seek secrets of longevity The contest is a relaunch of an older competition with a new focus on centenarians. Genome pioneer J. Craig Venter said the centenarian project is just a first step in revealing the genetic secrets of a long and healthy life. “We need 10,000 genomes, not 100, to start to understand the link between genetics, disease and wellness,” said Venter, who is co-chairing the X Prize contest.

What’s the common denominator? The 107-year-old Eberhardt of Chester, N.J., played and taught tennis until he was 94. He said he’s participating in the X Prize project because he’s interested in science and technology. It’s not clear his genes will reveal much. Nobody else in his extended family reached 100, and he thinks only a couple reached 90, he said in a telephone interview. So why does he think he lived so long? He credits 70 years of marriage to his wife, Marie. She in turn cites his “intense interest in so many things” over a lifetime — from building radios as a child to pursuing a career in electronics research. But scientists believe there’s more to it, and they want to use genome sequencing

BEACON BITS

Dec. 19+

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

A monthly support group for prostate cancer patients, their families and friends meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Suburban Hospital, 8600 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, Md. Drop-ins are welcome. For more information, call (301) 896-2193.

Jan. 5+

USING DREAMS TO HEAL

“Grief And Dreams: How Dreams Can Help Heal Us,” a two-session workshop to learn about dreams after the death of a loved one, will be held on Thursdays, Jan. 5 and 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Participants should plan on attending both sessions. The free sessions will be led by Montgomery Hospice professional counselors at the hospice’s office, 1355 Piccard Dr., Rockville, Md. To register, call (301) 921-4400.

Ongoing

BRAIN FITNESS AND FUN

Start your week with a one-hour program that stimulates your thinking and enhances your memory with a mix of puzzles, trivia and mind games. The program is held every Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Walter Reed Senior Center, 2902 S. 16th St., Arlington, Va. For more information about this free mental workout, call (703) 228-0955.

to investigate. Dr. Richard Cawthon of the University of Utah, who is seeking longevity genes by other means, said it may turn up genetic features that protect against multiple diseases or that slow the process of aging in general.

Living wrong, but living long Protective features of a centenarian’s DNA can even overcome less-than-ideal lifestyles, said Dr. Nir Barzilai of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. His own study of how centenarians live found that “as a group, they haven’t done the right things.” Many in the group he studied were obese or overweight. Many were smokers,

and few exercised or followed a vegetarian diet. His oldest participant, who died this month just short of her 110th birthday, smoked for 95 years. “She had genes that protected her against the environment,” Barzilai said. One of her sisters died at 102, and one of her brothers is 105 and still manages a hedge fund. No doubt many will be interested in learning what accounts for such a family history and what, if anything, can be done to replicate it. For more information on the X Prize competition, and to nominate a healthy centenarian for possible inclusion, see http://genomics.xprize.org. — AP

✃

By Malcolm Ritter George Eberhardt turned 107 in October, and scientists would love to know how he and other older folks like him made it that far. So he’s going to hand over some of his DNA. He’s one of 100 centenarians taking part in a project that will examine some of the oldest citizens with one of the newest scientific tools: whole-genome sequencing, the deciphering of a person’s complete collection of DNA. Scientists think DNA from very old healthy people could offer clues to how they have lived so long. And that could one day lead to medicines to help the rest of us stay disease-free longer. By the time you reach, say, 105, “it’s very hard to get there without some genetic advantages,” said Dr. Thomas Perls, a geriatrics expert at Boston University. Perls is helping find centenarians for the Archon Genomics X Prize competition. The X Prize Foundation, best known for a spaceflight competition, is offering $10 million in prize money to researchers who decipher the complete DNA code from 100 people older than 100. The contest will be judged on accuracy, completeness and the speed and cost of sequencing.

Check off the health studies you’d like to receive FREE information about. ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

African Americans Concerned About Alzheimer’s (REVEAL) (See ad p. 14) Alzheimer’s Imaging Study (See ad, p. 14) COPD/Emphysema Study(See ad, p. 14) Healthy Aging 80+(See article, p. 14) IDEAL Study 80+(See ad, p. 15) Severe Cancer Pain Study (See ad, p. 15)

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WB12/11

Clip and return to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 or fax to (301) 949-8966

Treating Severe Cancer Pain

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment for unmanageable pain in patients with advanced cancer.

Description of study:

• In this study, the research drug will be injected directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. This is the first trial in humans where this drug is injected into the spinal fluid. • Studies in animals have shown pain relief after the spinal administration of this treatment.

• The study involves up to eight visits to the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. There will be one inpatient visit that will last two to three days; the rest will be outpatient visits lasting four to six hours. There will be a screening visit, a treatment visit, and four follow-up visits, which occur beginning seven days after treatment. The participant will also be followed by telephone for approximately seven months after the treatment visit.

You may qualify if: • You have a diagnosis of advanced cancer. • You are age 18 or older. • You are unable to relieve your pain with medication. • The pain you are experiencing is at or below the level of your chest.

You may not qualify if: • Your pain is not caused by cancer. • You cannot have a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. • You have allergies to chili peppers or capsaicin (e.g., causing hives). • You are pregnant.

There is no charge for study-related tests. Travel costs may be reimbursed.

For more information, Call: 1-800-411-1222 (TTY: 1-866-411-1010) Se habla español Or go online, clinicaltrials.gov Refer to study # 09-D-0039 IRB-approved 08-22-2011

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Concerns grow over vitamin supplements By Marilynn Marchione Two recent studies raised gnawing worries about the safety of vitamin supplements and a host of questions: Should anyone be taking them? Which ones are most risky? And if you do take them, how can you pick the safest ones? Vitamins have long had a “health halo.” Many people think they’re good for you and at worst might simply be unnecessary. The industry calls them an insurance policy against bad eating.

But our foods are increasingly pumped full of them already. Even junk foods and drinks often are fortified with nutrients to give them a healthier profile. As a result, the risk is rising that we’re getting too much. Add a supplement and you may exceed the upper limit. “We’re finding out they’re not as harmless as the industry might have us believe,” said David Schardt, a nutritionist at the consumer group Center for Science in the Public Interest.

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In October, a study of nearly 40,000 older women found a slightly higher risk of death among those taking dietary supplements — including multivitamins, folic acid, iron and copper. It was just an observational study, though, not a rigorous test. Another study found that men taking high doses of vitamin E (400 units a day) for five years had a slightly increased risk of prostate cancer.

Popular, despite little evidence As many as one-third of Americans take vitamins and nearly half of people 50 and older take multivitamins, surveys suggest. Americans spent $9.6 billion on vitamins last year, up from $7.2 billion in 2005, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. Multivitamins top the list, at nearly $5 billion in sales. Yet there is no clear evidence that multivitamins lower the risk of cancer, heart disease or any other chronic health problems. No government agency recommends them generally, “regardless of the quality of a person’s diet,” according to a fact sheet from the federal Office of Dietary Supplements. And vitamins aren’t required to undergo the strict testing required of U.S.-approved prescription medicines. Some fads, such as the antioxidant craze over vitamins A and E and beta-carotene, backfired when studies found they gener-

ated more, not fewer, health risks. And studies that find more disease in people with too little of a certain vitamin can be misleading: Correcting a deficiency so you have the right daily amount is different from supplementing beyond recommended levels. The best way to get vitamins is to eat foods that naturally contain them, said Jody Engel, a nutritionist with Office of Dietary Supplements. “Foods provide more than just vitamins and minerals, such as fiber and other ingredients that may have positive health effects.” Schardt adds: “It’s virtually impossible to overdose on the nutrients in food.”

Who needs supplements? The following groups may need more of certain nutrients and should talk with their doctors about whether supplementation is called for: • People over age 50 and vegans — may need vitamin B12. “As we get older, a number of us no longer produce enough acid in the stomach to extract the B12 in food,” Schardt said. • Postmenopausal women — should discuss calcium and vitamin D to protect bones. See VITAMINS, page 18

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OLLEY GLEN MARKETING OFFICE 4023 Olley Lane Fairfax, VA 22032-1300 Call: 703-503-8717 TTY: 703-385-3578 E-mail: Olleyglen@fairfaxcounty.gov Website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rha/olleyglen.htm Fairfax County is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all county programs. Reasonable accommodations upon request. 703.246.5101 or TTY 703.385.3578.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

With Bravo Health,

I now have the advantage of creating my own routes. For over a decade, Bravo Health has been committed to delivering personalized, preventive care and stronger doctor/patient relationships. We’re proud to give our members the advantage of choosing from a range of plans with unique benefits that allow you to get more from life. Just a few of Bravo Health’s advantages: !

Part D prescription drug coverage

Routine vision services including an eye exam, glasses, and contact lenses

0 monthly plan premiums 5 primary care doctor visits

0 SilverSneakers® gym membership

The 2012 Annual Enrollment Period dates have changed. Medicare-eligible individuals will be able to enroll in plans from

October 15, 2011 – December 7, 2011. Don’t wait. Let us help you today.

Call a licensed Sales Representative at

1-800-850-5586 (TTY 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week to find out how Bravo Health can help you get more from life.

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Vitamins From page 16 • Women planning on pregnancy — folate, or folic acid, can prevent birth defects. • Pregnant women — may need extra iron. • Breastfed infants and possibly other infants — may need vitamin D. In fact, Vitamin D is a nutrient many of

us may need to supplement. Last fall, the Institute of Medicine, a panel of scientists who advise the government, raised the recommended amount but also warned against overdoing it. People ages 1 to 70 should get 600 international units a day. Those over 70 need 800 units. And if you do need a supplement, beware: Quality varies. Consumerlab.com, a company that tests supplements and publishes ratings for subscribers, has found a

Learn About Hearing Aids • Request a copy of The Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids • How do different instruments compare? • How is pricing structured? • What should you expect from new hearing aids? • For your complimentary copy, call: 301-434-4300

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

high rate of problems in the 3,000 products it has tested since 1999. “One out of 4 either doesn’t contain what it claims, or has some other problems, such as contamination, or the pills won’t break apart properly,” said company president Dr. Tod Cooperman. For example, one gummy bear calcium product had 250 percent of the amount of vitamin D claimed on the label. Another liquid product made with rose hips had just over half the amount of vitamin C listed. “Price is not necessarily linked to quality,” he said. “The quality doesn’t really relate to where you’re buying it. “I know many people are surprised by that or don’t want to believe it, but that is the case,” Cooperman said. “We find good and bad products in every venue.” Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council, suggests looking for “seals of approval” or certifications of quality from groups that spot-test supplements, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, and the Natural Products Association (NPA).

Some tips from experts • Keep it simple. The more ingredients there are in a supplement combo, the more chance that one of them will not be the right amount, Cooperman said. • Consider a supplement combo tailored to your gender and age, the Office of Dietary Supplements suggests. Multivita-

mins often contain little iron, and ones for seniors contain more calcium and vitamin D than products aimed at younger adults. • Take vitamin D with dinner. A study found significantly more absorption of that nutrient when it was consumed at the largest meal, which tends to have more fat, than at breakfast, Cooperman said. • Watch out for vitamin K — it promotes clotting and can interfere with common heart medicines and blood thinners such as warfarin, sold as Coumadin and other brands. • Current and former smokers are advised to avoid multivitamins with lots of beta-carotene or vitamin A. Two studies have tied them to increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. • For cancer patients, “vitamins C and E might reduce the effectiveness of certain types of chemotherapy,” Engel said. • People having surgery should know that some vitamins can affect bleeding and response to anesthesia. • Ask your doctor before taking any supplement. More information is available at these websites: For Vitamin facts: http:// ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-VitaminsMinerals and http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/MVMS-HealthProfessional FAQs: http://ods.od.nih.gov/Health— Information/ODS—Frequently—Asked— Questions.aspx — AP

BEACON BITS

Dec. 13+

YIDDISH CULTURE CLUB The Yiddish Culture Club meets the second and fourth Tuesdays

of the month from 10 a.m. to noon for conversation, music and guest speakers. The club meets at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. For more information, call (301) 649-7472.

*With move-in before 12/30/11

• Porcelain or Acrylic Teeth • Same Day Service Available • Repairs While You Wait • Immediate Dentures • Implant Overdentures ••• Our in-office laboratory allows for a convenient, fast denture fabrication at affordable prices.

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Eric R. Capps, DDS, P.C. General Dentistry

Simple repairs......$300.00 each plate and up

Payment plans available.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Dramatic nutrition found in black foods Chefs have turned to the chic shade of black to infuse drama across a stark, white dinner plate. They know that the deep, glossy shade of, say, black quinoa or black rice can do wonders for the visual appeal of a meal. But are there any nutritional rewards that come along with this elegant color palette? It seems like brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as scarlet tomatoes and verdant spinach, get all the attention in the nutrition world. But you might be surprised to find out that the color black is a calling card for a plant’s health-protective nutrient load. Food scientists discovered that many dark foods are colored by naturally-occurring pigments called anthocyanins, which are a class of flavonoids found in plants. These anthocyanins, which also lend blueberries their deep blue color, protect the plant against oxidation, pests and harmful UV radiation. Some of the health benefits are passed on to you when you bite into their dark flesh. Anthocyanins act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, fending off the development of chronic conditions such as

Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. And that’s not all — many black foods contain other phytochemicals, such as the polyphenols found in black tea and dark chocolate, that offer antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.

The darker, the better Emerging evidence indicates that black foods may be even richer in antioxidants than their paler counterparts. For example, in a 2009 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the phytochemical composition of 18 colored seed coat soybeans were analyzed by researchers from the University of Maryland. They discovered that black seed coat soybeans had the highest levels of polyphenols, isoflavones (plant estrogens linked with heart health and cancer protection,) total antioxidant capacity, and cyanidin-3-glucoside — a potent anthocyanin that scientists believe may be one of the most promising of the bunch. Let your diet sparkle with more deepcolored foods. Top salads and wraps with black beans, switch to black rice as a side

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dish, sip on black tea or espresso, treat yourself to a small piece (one ounce) of dark chocolate, use black quinoa in pilafs, and eat blackberries and black popcorn as a healthy, whole plant-based snack.

Some black foods to try Here’s a sampling of our favorite black plant foods: 1. Black beans, soybeans, chickpeas, lentils 2. Black rice, quinoa

3. Black raspberries, cherries, currants 4. Black garlic, pepper, olives 5. Black popcorn, seaweed 6. Black sesame seeds, walnuts 7. Black tea, espresso coffee 8. Dark chocolate Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 1-800-8295384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2011 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How to get garlic’s anti-cancer benefits Q: Does garlic powder or prechopped garlic in oil protect against cancer as well as fresh garlic? A: Garlic probably reduces risk of colorectal and stomach cancers, according to a landmark report from the American Institute for Cancer Research. Researchers are working to understand how and which of the many substances in garlic provide the cancer protective benefits. At present, it is not clear whether all forms of garlic provide the same benefits as the whole food or even how much garlic is needed for cancer protection.

Allicin, and the compounds that are formed from it when the bulb is chopped or crushed, may be the substances that play a role in cancer protection. According to the World Health Organization, about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder provides about the same level of allicin as one clove of fresh garlic. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, however, suggests that fresh garlic could provide significantly more allicin. I cannot locate any information about levels of allicin in pre-chopped garlic sold

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in jars of oil, but one protective compound Besides, most sugar-free sweets contain formed from allicin is fat soluble, so it may significant calories from fat and refined leach into the oil. If you disgrains. For example, a 1.5 card the oil, you may lose ounce bar of Godiva dark some of the benefit. chocolate provides 230 caloWhen you use fresh garlic, ries in its regular form, and remember that your home 210 calories in its sugar-free “processing” is significant, version. too. Before you cook garlic, Yes, small amounts of calochop or press it and let it sit rie savings throughout the away from the heat for at least day do add up to produce 10 minutes while you prepare weight loss. But the question the rest of your meal’s ingreyou need to answer is how dients. Heat prevents the pro- NUTRITION often you have room for treats tective compounds from form- WISE with 200 or more calories; if ing, but they will form if the By Karen Collins, it’s not often, then the differchopped garlic is allowed to MS, RD, CDM ence in calories will not sit for 10 to 15 minutes before amount to much. cooking. Here’s another example: one sugar-free Q: If I switch to sugar-free cookies Oreo cookie is 50 calories; one regular and candy, will it help me lose weight? Oreo is 60 calories. The sugar-free Oreo A: Switching the type of cookies and label lists two cookies per serving (100 candies you get will probably lead to little calories); regular Oreos list a three-cookie if any weight loss. These products almost serving with 160 calories. The bottom line always use, at least partly, a sweetener is that you cut more calories by eating known as a sugar alcohol, such as maltitol. fewer cookies than you do by choosing These sugar alcohols provide about half sugar-free cookies. the calories of sugar; still a significant You don’t need to cut out all sweets in amount in sweets. order to lose weight, so focus on choosing sweets less often and give up on the idea of searching for something you can eat by the box without paying a penalty. When you do have sweets, savor a small portion: that’s the true calorie-saving secret. The American Institute for Cancer Research offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This free service allows you to ask questions about diet, nutrition and Skilled Nursing Care • Physical Therapy cancer. A registered dietitian will return Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy your call, usually within three business days. Medical Social Services Courtesy of the American Institute for Home Health Aides • Home IV Therapy Cancer Research. Questions for this column Geriatric Nurse Practitioner House Calls may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., Chaplain • Bereavement • Volunteers Pediatrics • Home Hospice N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Collins canIn-Patient Hospice Services not respond to questions personally.

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Spiced tea makes for a moist tea cake By Dana Jacobi While reading my first Agatha Christie mystery, the craving to join Miss Marple in a comforting, bracing “cuppa” overwhelmed me. I have been an avid tea-drinker ever since, and particularly like to indulge at mid-morning — “elevenses” — and in late afternoon. Enjoying a sweet is frequently part of this ritual. Usually it is a biscuit (known as a cookie to non-Anglophiles) or slice of teacake. Tea loaves, in fact, got their name because they are a perfect choice with tea. Including tea as an ingredient in these recipes adds a nice flavor. Ever since I started to enjoy tea, I have tried to make true tea loaves enhanced with the flavor, and perhaps the health benefits, of this benevolent brew. For the holidays, when the aromas of cinnamon, clove and other warm spices reflect the season’s festive mood, the moist recipe below is a favorite. It perfumes the house beautifully with orange zest and a generous measure of chai — the Indian blend of tea and spices. Wrapped in foil, it also keeps nicely in the refrigerator, ready to share when guests drop by.

This gingerbread-brown loaf contains whole-grain flour, applesauce, egg whites and walnuts. The combination minimizes a sugar rush, a good thing when the holidays are so full of sweet tempting confections. Its sweetening is even light enough to also let you enjoy an accompanying cup of chai, including its traditional drizzle of honey or agave.

Walnut Chai Tea Loaf Canola oil cooking spray 1/2 cup boiling water 3 chai teabags 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup canola oil 3 large egg whites (can substitute 2 large eggs) 1/4 cup sugar 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 tsp. grated orange zest 2/3 cup chopped walnuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 8-

inch x 4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside. In heatproof measuring cup, steep teabags in boiling water for 10 minutes. Remove bags, squeezing well. Cool tea to room temperature. In small bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine applesauce, oil and tea. Set both bowls aside. In mixing bowl, beat egg whites (or eggs) with electric mixer or whisk, 1 minute. Add white and brown sugars, beat together, then add wet ingredients. Add dry ingredients and zest and mix until they are just combined with other ingredients. There will be many small

lumps. Use rubber spatula to blend in most small lumps, taking care not to over mix. Stir in nuts. Scoop batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until straw inserted into center of loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes. Turn loaf out of pan and cool completely. This tea loaf is best when wrapped in foil for 8 to 24 hours, which allows flavors to ripen and loaf to become more moist. Makes 12 slices. Per slice: 210 calories, 10 g. fat (1 g. sat. fat), 27 g. carbohydrates, 4 g. protein, 2 g. fiber, 156 mg. sodium. Dana Jacobi creates recipes for the American Institute for Cancer Research.

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Remedies to try for ‘ringing in the ears’ Dear Pharmacist: What can be done to relieve the discomfort of tinnitus? The crackling, buzzing and popping in my ear drives me to distraction. I’ve tried several commercially available products from the health food store, all without relief so far. What do you suggest? L.J. Dear L.J.: When you hear buzzing, clanging, whooshing, musical tones, humming, ringing, or even jack hammering — while no one around you does — you have tinnitus, and it can drive you absolutely bonkers. I don’t have it, but I can’t stand the noise

even when my neighbor fires up his leaf blower for 20 minutes. Among the celebrities who have confessed to bouts of tinnitus are Eric Clapton, David Letterman and Steve Martin. The internal racket can be caused from exposure to sudden or chronic loud noises, free radical damage, age-related hearing loss, medication side effects, ear wax and a number of diseases. That’s just for starters. All I can do here is give you some information about options. If your tinnitus doesn’t yield to simple remedies, see your doctor for an evaluation. Look in your medicine cabinet. There’s a surprisingly long list of prescription and

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over-the-counter drugs that have been tied treatments vary considerably, but could be to tinnitus: Non-steroidal anti-inflammato- very effective. ries (NSAIDs), loop diuretics I keep up with Korean (like furosemide), and many news because my 24-Hour antibiotics, anti-depressant Pharmacist book is published drugs and salicylates (like asin this language. A recent pirin). study concluded that two Auditory-related side efcompounds: Bojungikgitang fects from one of these might and banhabaekchulchondevelop all of a sudden, even if matang significantly improve you’ve been taking the drug a tinnitus. But American health long time. Discuss this possifood stores are going to bility with your doctor and screech and whine if you ask pharmacist. In cases of re- DEAR them to order that stuff, so versible tinnitus, sometimes PHARMACIST don’t even bother. switching medications brings By Suzy Cohen A few studies support the relief. herbal supplement gingko Stress ramps up the noise! Consider biloba, which may help by improving biofeedback to learn how to relax. Studies blood flow and scavenging free radical toxsuggest that biofeedback training could ins. help you find your internal “control knob” Other herbs worth looking into include and turn down the volume. black cohosh root and vinpocetine which Deficiencies of specific nutrients — improve blood flow and oxygen to the such as zinc, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins brain. Goldenseal could help too, and also D and B12 — can sometimes affect hear- mullein herb which addresses inflammaing health. Also, magnesium, a mineral tion. found in spinach and leafy greens, has been shown repeatedly to support audito- Did you know? People with pale skin (who burn easily) ry mechanisms, improve hearing loss and appear to be more likely to be deficient in ease tinnitus. As we speak, the Mayo Clinic is con- vitamin D. This information is opinion only. It is not ducting a clinical trial to verify this. And an Israeli study long ago found that military intended to treat, cure or diagnose your conpersonnel with tinnitus were often short dition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. on B12. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist Those of Asian descent seem to have good grip on this condition. Chinese medi- and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist cine doctors use acupuncture and a variety and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To of herbals to deal with tinnitus. These contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.

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Not-yet-relatives already making trouble Dear Solutions: to leave my only daughter most of the My children are scattered around the stuff anyway. country, but they all come I’m taken aback. She says home at Christmas for the it will be easier in the long one intimate family dinner I run if things are spelled out make each year. My son, dinow. Isn’t this premature? vorced, has a new girlfriend — Phoebe who is invited. Dear Phoebe: But the girlfriend wants Even though your daughter me to include a couple and is jumping the gun, you should their baby because they are invite her to come to look at the important friends of hers, jewelry. But while she is there, and they’re going to be in open up a discussion about town around Christmas. I SOLUTIONS some more serious issues. don’t know them, and I don’t By Helen Oxenberg, People need to think about, MSW, ACSW have extra room for others. plan and discuss with their There are friends of mine adult children what their wishwhom I’d like to invite, but I don’t be- es are for end-of-life treatment, especially cause I like to have just the family. while they’re still healthy. My son says she told him if she was Do you have a living will, also called an married to him, I would invite her advance directive, spelling out what kind friends. of medical intervention you would accept? I’m making two big turkeys, so Have you written down for her what type there’ll be enough food, but that’s not of funeral you’d like, where your important the point. I feel as if I’m being manipu- papers are, etc.? lated by her. Do you think I’m wrong? Instead of being angry or annoyed at — Mable your daughter, thank her for this opportuDear Mable: nity to help her come to terms with the reDon’t let this turkey gobble you up! This ality of life and death issues. is your dinner party, and you are entitled Dear Solutions: to do it your way. You certainly don’t have I’m in a second marriage. My husto invite people you don’t know. band, who’s retired, goes to visit his Is your real concern that your son won’t children and grandchildren almost come? Tell them both how much everyone every Sunday because they live nearin the family wants them there, and you by. I go with him once in a while, but hope she’ll make arrangements with her mostly I don’t because I love to have friends before and after that day. Stand that day to myself. firm now or you’ll always be vulnerable to He doesn’t object, but other people others’ demands. say it’s not right, and I’m not showing Dear Solutions: him respect by not going with him. My darling daughter, whom I love So now I feel guilty every time Sunvery much, has just suggested some- day comes around. I guess people thing I’m very uneasy about. I’m a think I’m cold. Are they right? senior but I’m healthy and active and — Alice think I’ll hang around for a while Dear Alice: longer. Wrapping yourself in the guilt quilt will My daughter called and wants to not make you feel warm. The only person come over and pick out the jewelry that you should concern yourself with is your she wants me to leave her when I die! husband, and he doesn’t object. I’ll bet he Although I’ll probably leave some things likes to have that day to himself, too. to my daughter-in-law, I was intending Don’t worry about what other people

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say. Just smile and say, “That’s our arrangement” or say nothing. When Sunday comes around, kiss your husband, wish him a good day — and enjoy yourself! Dear Solutions: I have nothing to do, and I think I could be a subject for your column. I’d like to talk to you and discuss your column, so please call me. — John Dear John: I would be happy to read any questions you may have, but I cannot call you.

You, however, can become a write-in and tell me why you have nothing to do. Is this a problem for you? I’d guess it is or you wouldn’t have mentioned it. So, start by doing something. Go directly to the post office. Do not pass up an opportunity to deal with your problems. © Helen Oxenberg, 2011. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also email the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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Money Law &

MAKING SENSE OF SOCIAL SECURITY A public trustee of Social Security and Medicare answers questions about the program and its future FAST FOOD STOCKS In a slow economy, stocks from fast food restaurants like McDonald’s and Chipotle offer sizzling returns RETIREE MONEY MISTAKES Common pitfalls include helping children too much and underestimating healthcare costs

Before giving charity, do a little research By Kathy Kristof Every holiday season, consumers get pitched by numerous charities that hope the spirit of giving will pry open hearts and pocketbooks. The appeals often have a sense of urgency, especially this year, as many charities are struggling with increasing needs and declining donations because of the economic malaise. It’s hard to turn down charities at times. But for giving to be truly effective, it should be well thought out overall and not done on impulse. “Most people give because they’re asked,” said Daniel Borochoff, president of the American Institute of Philanthropy. “They’re good-hearted people and they want to help. “So they respond to a solicitation or give because a friend says they like a particular charity. [But] that’s not an effective way to finance causes that you care about,” Borochoff said. So, what should you do? • Beware of telemarketers. Here’s a common situation: The person on the other end of the line says she’s with the “Fraternal Order of Police” or the “Cancer Society.” Those sound like good causes and the caller says that you supported them last year. Can they count on you again? Before you pledge, get some informa-

tion. The first thing you need to know is whether the person on the line works for the charity itself or for a professional fundraising company. The latter is more likely and more ominous. It means that a good portion of your donation — as much as 99 percent of it! — is going to be paid to the fundraiser rather than the charity. If the person on the line is reluctant to tell you where they work, or says that all your money goes to the charity, ask how you can see the group’s Form 990 before you give. This form is a charity’s financial statement. It must be filed annually with the IRS, and it spells out not only how much a charity receives in donations, but also how much it spends on programs. • Verify. If the fundraiser doesn’t want to send its 990 form — or you did get it and suspect it’s an edited version — go to your trusty computer and check out the charity at the CharityNavigator.org watchdog group. You can also confirm that a contribution is to an IRS-qualified charity by checking the list at www.irs.gov/app/pub-78. If you’re thinking of giving to a group that runs national advertisements, such as Smile Train or Feed the Children, you should check out the organization with the American Institute of Philanthropy, too. AIP rates fewer charities than Charity

Navigator but provides a far more detailed look at the finances of those that it does rate. AIP’s website, CharityWatch.org, shows that Feed the Children has been involved in numerous controversies, for example, and Smile Train’s advertising claims have been questioned. Another organization that evaluates charities in detail is Give Well. See www.givewell.org. • Give more to fewer groups. To have a bigger effect, it’s wise to give more money to fewer causes, experts contend. That’s because a portion of every donation is spent on the cost of fundraising, thanking you for your donation, keeping donor records and providing receipts. That paperwork cost can eat up a significant portion of a $25 gift. When the charity provides donors with labels, pins or some other “thank you” gift with its appeal, administrative costs are likely to be particularly high, Borochoff said. If it’s the cause — not the mailing labels — that’s dear to you, resist the urge to give a token amount to a charity that you don’t support enthusiastically. Then give as much as you can afford to the charities that you really care about. • Donate time. If you can’t give as much cash as you’d like, consider donating your time. Local shelters, food pantries

and thrift stores often need reliable volunteers to staff kitchens and retail locations. Your time saves them money and is the equivalent of a valuable donation. • Donate items. Many groups, including Goodwill and Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, operate thrift stores not only to finance their operations but also to provide clothing and household items to the poor at a low cost. While you’re pulling out your holiday decorations, consider going through storage spaces and giving away anything still in good condition that you no longer use. You can get a tax deduction for the market value of these donated items. Be sure to keep records of what you donated in case you’re audited. • Charge it. If you’re temporarily short of cash but want to donate this year to get a tax deduction, know that the IRS considers a donation to be made on the day it’s charged to a credit card — not the date that the credit card bill is paid. So you can charge a donation Dec. 31, get the tax deduction for it this year, and pay the bill in January. Just be sure to be as responsible with the amount you’re giving to charity as you should be with your personal expenditures. Don’t go into longterm debt to make donations. © Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Ways to keep holiday spending in check By Lisa Gerstner 1. Set a budget you can’t bust. Do it the old-fashioned way: Pull out a specified amount of cash to buy gifts. Once the green is gone, you’re done. If you’re not comfortable with carrying cash around, put the money on a prepaid credit card with a low (or no) fee. The American Express Prepaid card (www.americanexpress.com/prepaid) charges no purchase, activation or maintenance fees, but can only be used where American Express is accepted. You could also deposit your holiday spending budget in a dedicated no-fee checking account. For example, USAA Federal Savings Bank’s account is free (including its debit card), and it has no minimum-balance requirement.

2. Buy online. Enticing displays at the mall trumpet bargains and beg you to buy on impulse. A California Institute of Technology study suggests that customers are willing to pay about 50 percent more for products in stores, where they can touch items, than online. To find online deals, visit sites like www.Dealnews.com, which shows the day’s best prices on specific types of items. You can also follow particular stores you like online, or via Facebook and Twitter, suggests spending expert Andrea Woroch. You can log in to see their promotions at your convenience. Consider unsubscribing from retailer email newsletters that don’t assist in your hunt — they present too many temptations.

3. Give more gift cards. It’s easy to spend an extra $5 here and $10 there as you search for just the right gifts. With a gift card, you’ll spend exactly what you intend. Save even more by purchasing from sites such as www.GiftCardGranny.com and www.PlasticJungle.com, which sell gift cards from popular retailers at discounts to their face value. Note: The most highly evolved gift card on the planet comes from Starbucks. It doubles as a rewards card — you earn rewards points toward free drinks and other stuff. View transaction history, protect your balance if the card is lost or stolen, reload it automatically, and even have friends reload it via a Facebook app. 4. Try a gift exchange. If you feel

pinched because you buy presents for every niece, cousin and uncle, evaluate your giving strategy. Consider setting up an exchange with family or friends so that each person buys one gift with a set dollar limit. Chances are, most recipients would be happy with a single, higher-price present instead of several cheaper ones. At www.Elfster.com, you can invite others to a “Secret Santa” exchange, and the site will make gift assignments at random. Lisa Gerstner is a staff writer at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. For more on this and similar money topics, visit www.Kiplinger.com. © 2011 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Make the most of minimum distributions By Kimberly Lankford Here are answers to some typical questions about when and how to take required minimum distributions from IRAs and other retirement-savings plans. Q. How are required minimum distributions (RMD) calculated? A. The required minimum distribution is based on your account balance as of the end of the previous year and your life expectancy according to IRS tables. Your IRA administrator can help you with the calculations, or you can use Kiplinger’s RMD calculator at www.kiplinger.com/php/ira/question.htm. Q. Do I need to calculate the RMD separately for each account, or do I add up all of my account balances? A. There is one set of rules governing distributions from traditional IRAs and another for employer-based retirement plans. If you have more than one traditional IRA, your required withdrawal is based on the balance in all of these accounts, but you can withdraw the money from one or more of them. If you have multiple 401(k)s, you must calculate the required distribution for each one separately and then withdraw the required amount from each account. Q. Do I need to take RMDs even if I’m still working? A. You need to take required minimum distributions from traditional IRAs after you reach age 70 1/2, even if you’re still working. But you can delay tapping your 401(k) or other employer-based retirement plan at your current job until after you stop

working. However, you must start taking RMDs from previous employers’ 401(k)s by age 70 1/2. Q. I just turned 70 1/2. When do I need to take my first RMD from my IRA? A. You have until April 1 of the year after you turn age 70 1/2 to take your first required withdrawal. But you may not want to wait that long because you must take your second withdrawal by December 31 of the same year. Two IRA withdrawals in one year could significantly boost your tax bill. After that, you must take withdrawals by December 31 every year. Q. Can I take more than the minimum withdrawal? A. Sure. You can withdraw as much as you want. But remember that you will owe taxes on all the money you withdraw from your traditional IRA (unless you made any after-tax contributions). You must withdraw at least the required minimum each year, or else you’ll have to pay a 50-percent penalty on the amount you should have withdrawn but didn’t. Q. What about Roth IRAs? A. You don’t need to take RMDs from Roth IRAs. Q. I turned 70 1/2 this year, so this will be the first time that I have to take a required minimum distribution from my IRA. I don’t need the money, and I’m not looking forward to the tax bill that comes with it. Can I transfer money from my IRA to a charity tax-free, or did that rule expire?

A. IRA owners who are 70 1/2 and older can direct up to $100,000 of their IRA distributions to charity if they act by Dec. 31, 2011. The money given to the charity will count toward your required minimum distribution, but it won’t increase your adjusted gross income or generate a tax bill. Because making the transfer to charity is excluded from your adjusted gross income, it could lower your taxes in other ways as well. For example, having a lower AGI can reduce your threshold for deducting medical expenses (in excess of 7.5 percent of your AGI), could reduce your taxes on your Social Security benefits, and could help you avoid a high-income surcharge on your

Medicare Part B and Part D premiums (the surcharge kicks in if your AGI is more than $85,000 if single or $170,000 if married filing jointly). To make the transfer, contact the charity to get its address and tax identification number, then ask your IRA administrator to transfer the money directly to the charity. If the check is made out to you, it won’t qualify as a tax-free transfer. Kimberly Lankford is a contributing editor to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and the author of Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, $18.95). Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. ©2011 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

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Answering your Social Security questions Editor’s Note: The following questions and answers are drawn from remarks made by Dr. Charles Blahous, public trustee of Social Security & Medicare, at the Beacon 50+Expo last month. 1. What do the public trustees of Social Security do? There are two public trustees, and their positions were created by Congress as part of the last major rescue of Social Security in 1983, when the program was on the brink of insolvency, literally months away from not being able to send out the checks. Last-minute, bipartisan agreement saved the program. There had been concern over the previous several years that the financial projections made by the government trustees — cabinet secretaries from Treasury, Labor, Health & Human Services and the Commissioner of Social Security — had been too rosy, forcing legislators back time and again to solve finan-

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cial problems. So Congress created the public trustee positions to oversee projections, sign off on them as reasonable, and increase public confidence in the projections. 2. Why do we have a pending shortfall in Social Security’s ability to pay benefits? Isn’t it a self-financing system? If each generation paid enough payroll taxes to fund its own benefits, or if that generation’s benefits were limited to its tax contributions plus earnings, there would be no shortfall. But that’s not how Social Security was set up. The first generation to receive Social Security was given benefits while only making very small contributions, and the amount of benefits was not limited to the value of those contributions. As a result, the vast majority of their benefits had to be paid for by the next generation of workers. And the system has

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continued to operate that way ever since: Current workers pay for most of the benefits received by current retirees. Now that can continue to work if, and only if, the ratio of workers to beneficiaries never declines below the level required to sustain the previously established benefit and tax formulas. The huge boomer generation now entering retirement didn’t have as many children as their parents did, so there will not be enough workers to maintain this arrangement. We used to have the payroll taxes of three or more workers to support each individual receiving Social Security. That ratio is now declining below three, and in 20 years there will be only two workers paying taxes per beneficiary. In addition to the change in fertility patterns, today’s retirees live much longer than people used to, and hence collect more years of benefits. Keep in mind that Social Security is based on two different — and unrelated — formulas set down in law: One formula determines the taxes you pay while working; another formula determines the benefits you receive based on lifetime earnings. Because of the demographic changes mentioned above as well as some benefit expansions made in the 1970s, the benefits currently promised by the benefit formula well exceed the taxes generated by the tax formula. Hence, our growing shortfall. 3. Is there any reason to rush to make changes to Social Security? Yes. Those who are either on Social Security or on the verge of it should definitely want Congress to fix the problems as soon as possible. I believe that some senior advocacy organizations who are taking to airwaves with a “hands off Social Security” message

are doing a terrible disservice. Deferring reforms for much longer would bring about the worst possible outcome for their members. For example, if we were to defer changes until 2036, the year the Social Security Trust Fund is currently estimated to run out, across-the-board benefit cuts of 23 percent of benefits would be required. These cuts in benefits would not only affect new retirees in 2036, but everyone, including the poorest of the poor and those who’d been on the rolls for decades. Suppose you wanted to protect the benefits of those already in retirement in 2036 and confine changes to those newly coming on the rolls then? By that point, even completely eliminating benefits for all new beneficiaries wouldn’t solve the problem! On other hand, if we act sometime in the next few years, we can protect people currently in retirement, those on the verge of retirement, those with low incomes, and even allow benefits to rise relative to inflation going forward. 4. Does Social Security contribute to our current or future federal deficits? Yes, both. This year’s tab for Social Security is $738 billion. Income from current payroll taxes plus taxes paid on Social Security benefits by wealthier retirees totals only $587 billion. So, this year’s Social Security payments are adding $151 billion to our unified deficit. The gap is especially large this year because of the recession (which has lowered employment and hence payroll tax collections) and because the administration and Congress cut payroll taxes this year by 2 percent as a stimulus measure. (President Obama proposes to continue and even exSee SOCIAL SECURITY, page 27

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Social Security From page 26 pand this payroll tax cut next year.) The payroll tax cut constitutes $105 billion of this year’s $151 billion shortfall, and it is being paid for from general accounts because the administration and Congress agreed to cover its cost that way. But even if payroll taxes hadn’t been cut, required benefits payments would (and did) exceed incoming cash revenues by $46 billion this year. While it’s true that there are sufficient revenues due Social Security from interest on its Trust Fund assets to cover that part of the shortfall, the government is currently able to make these payments only by issuing new debt, also adding to the current federal deficit. These annual needs for cashing in Trust Fund assets will continue to occur and, indeed, rise sharply in coming years, increasing deficits further and ultimately outstripping the Trust Fund entirely. 5. Wasn’t the Trust Fund established to collect surplus revenues over the past few decades so money would be available to cover pending shortfalls now and in the future? That’s a very common misconception, but not true. Neither the Greenspan Commission, whose work ultimately led to the 1983 Social Security reforms, nor Congress had any intention to set payroll tax rates higher than necessary to meet benefit obligations in the near-term. The goal had been to balance revenues and benefits over the 75 years following 1983, without careful attention to the flow of annual revenues and expenditures. But it became clear within a very short while after the 1983 legislation that the long-term “balance” it created was actually unbalanced on an annual basis: revenues would run substantially ahead of expendi-

tures in the early years, before the deficits we are now experiencing would arise in later years. At that point, members of Congress, including Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (who had served on the Greenspan Commission), proposed to scale back the payroll tax rates to eliminate the unintended surpluses, noting that there was no effective way to “save” them for the future. Congress as a whole, as well as the first Bush Administration, however, did not want to revisit the 1983 agreement, nor to deprive the government of access to the surplus payroll tax revenue that was then arriving. The federal government was thus able to spend those surpluses, with the result that it is now in no better financial position to redeem the Trust Fund debt than it would have been if the surpluses had never existed. 6. But isn’t it true that the higher payroll taxes paid by workers since 1983 have effectively pre-funded their benefits, making it unfair to change the Social Security benefit formula prior to 2036, when the Trust Fund assets run out? Actually, the fairest way to reform Social Security would be to do so as quickly as possible. The reason that the Trust Funds are projected to last until 2036 is not because baby boomers have pre-funded a quartercentury’s worth of benefit payments. Actually, the Trust Funds are never projected to hold enough assets to fund more than about three and a half years’ worth of payments, and that’s about how much they hold today. Furthermore, most of those assets today are interest that was credited on the unsaved surplus; not surplus dollars themselves. From now through 2036, more than

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four-fifths of the funds to finance benefit payments will be derived from taxes coming in from younger workers. So postponing reforms means the least fair solutions. If current benefit schedules are left in place, for example, those now entering Social Security will lose roughly 4 percent of their lifetime wage income to Social Security, even if they receive all benefits now scheduled for them. If you want the fairest relative treatment of different generations, the inevitable changes should begin soon, be phased in gradually, and affect the largest number of participants. The more that you postpone them, the more that you excuse some generations from contributing anything to the resolution, and you load up all of the adverse effects on the generations that already stand to be treated the worst. The most important thing, however, is to get the problem solved soon, even if it’s not my favored solution or yours. The longer we go without a solution, the uglier the eventual solution will look.

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Big returns from fast food in slow market By Mark Jewell Step into the McDonald’s in Port Chester, N.Y. on a Saturday, and there’s a good chance you’ll see Jon Burnham dining on the cheap with his wife. They’re McDonald’s regulars. “Where else can two people go and have a really nice lunch or dinner for $10?” Burnham asked. He knows how to spot a value, after more than five decades in the financial services industry and 16 years as a mutual fund manager. The economy is in a tough spot, and Burnham expects consumers will continue to embrace low-cost menus at fast-food chains. He’s a particularly strong believer in McDonald’s stock, one of the top five holdings in his fund. Its shares are trading at an all-time high, up 22 percent in a year when the stock market has edged up just 2 percent. That’s one reason why Burnham Fund (BURHX) has outperformed 94 percent of its largeblend stock category peers this year, returning more than 3 percent. A bigger contributor is Burnham’s second-biggest holding, Chipotle Mexican Grill. Its shares have surged 62 percent this year, lifted by sales that are rising at a faster pace than at more established chains. The sizzling results for restaurant chains extend beyond those two names. Strong performers include Panera Bread and Starbucks, both up 34 percent; Tim Hortons, 22 percent; Wendy’s, 12 percent, and Yum Brands, 11 percent.

But will gains continue? Unfortunately, investors looking to spice up returns by adding those names to their portfolios now may find their potential is limited because the stocks have performed so well recently. Industry profits are being constrained by rising costs for ingredients such as beef and coffee, which have triggered price increases at several chains. Still their menu prices remain low enough that the chains hold appeal at a time when many consumers are wary of spending too much to

eat out. Fund managers investing in fast food say they’re also drawn by the relative simplicity of the chains’ business models. And many chains have expanded into fastgrowing emerging markets like China. Fast-food chains offer relatively predictable growth prospects at a time when the outlook for economic growth in the U.S. and Europe is dim, said Ron Rohn, comanager of the John Hancock Global Leaders Growth Fund (USGLX), whose top holding is Yum Brands, owner of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

Restaurant stocks to consider Below we look at three top fast-food stocks, and perspectives from managers at funds with big stakes in them: 1. McDonald’s Corp. The biggest burger chain is an industry bellwether, with more than 33,000 locations. With a market value of $95 billion, McDonald’s is a widely held stock, and one of the 30 names that make up the Dow Jones industrial average. McDonald’s increased its third-quarter dividend by 15 percent, and expects to return about $6 billion to shareholders this year through dividends and share repurchases. It has raised its payout each year since paying its first dividend in 1976. The current dividend yield is about 3 percent. McDonald’s has been repositioning itself as a health-conscious option, adding salads and oatmeal. Earnings have risen for nine consecutive quarters, capped by a 9 percent third-quarter gain. But the company hinted that it may need to raise menu prices for the third time this year to help offset higher ingredient costs. The stock is the top holding at the Two Oaks Diversified Growth Fund (TWOAX), whose manager argues McDonald’s is in good position to offset those costs. Blake Todd points to the chain’s expanded beverage lineup, including fancy coffee drinks and smoothies. Beverages are typically sold at higher profit margins than burgers, and ingredient costs are lower, helping to insulate Mc-

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Donald’s from spiking commodity prices, Todd said. He also credits McDonald’s for adapting to local tastes overseas, where menus vary widely from those here. The U.S. now accounts for just 31 percent of McDonald’s revenue. 2. Yum Brands Inc. Yum’s KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bill chains give the company a diversified approach. Yum has more than 38,000 restaurants worldwide. With a $25 billion market cap, the stock’s dividend yield is about 2.1 percent. The company recently said that it expects sales to drop in the fourth quarter in its struggling U.S. business, particularly at Taco Bell. But Yum is faring well overseas, where it gets two-thirds of its operating profit. Nearly half comes from emerging markets like China. This year, the company expects to open 1,500 restaurants, maintaining last

year’s pace of about four new restaurants each day outside the U.S. The risk of inflation in China presents a challenge to Yum’s bottom line, said Rohn, whose fund counts the stock as its top holding. But Rohn said that risk is offset by the growth of China’s middle class and its embrace of fast food. That’s a key reason why Yum plans 600 new locations in China this year. 3. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. The chain of nearly 1,200 restaurants has expanded rapidly, employing a fast-casual service model, and emphasizing fresh, healthy ingredients in its burritos and tacos. It targets middle-class consumers willing to pay $8 to $10 a meal. The 18-year-old company remains primarily a U.S. chain, but recently expanded beyond Mexican fare with new ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen locations. Its See FAST FOOD, page 31

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Five big money mistakes retirees make By David Pitt For retirees to maintain their desired lifestyle without a paycheck — possibly for decades — they need a solid financial plan. They also need to steer clear of serious mistakes that could compromise their future income. Here’s a look at some common pitfalls retirees encounter, and ways to step around them to avoid financial disaster. 1. Helping children too much Problem: Retirees with children or grandchildren are often too willing to help out financially; sometimes at the risk of their own well-being. Even though many baby boomers

worked to put themselves through college and the experience developed good financial skills, they don’t want their kids to struggle as much, said Wayne Copelin, president of Copelin Financial Advisors in Sugar Land, Texas. If you try to tell parents that it’s a mistake to bail adult children out of credit card debt or help them with other financial mistakes, they get very mad, said Copelin. Solution: Don’t underestimate your longevity. Make sure you have enough money to last the rest of your life by laying out a financial plan. With a plan in hand, you can then determine how much you can afford to spend on children and grand-

children. If you don’t take this step, you could very well run out of money and need to turn to your children for help. Also be very careful about co-signing loans, because any default or late payments can hurt your credit rating. What’s more, be aware that significant gifts could be considered taxable — this year’s limit on taxfree gifts is $13,000 per person. Read the IRS rules at http://tinyurl.com/4uncnxx. 2. Underestimating healthcare costs Problem: One of the biggest pitfalls facing the retirees of the next few decades is unanticipated and unplanned healthcare

costs. According to various experts, a healthy couple in their mid-60s will need around $300,000 to cover healthcare in retirement. A couple in their mid-50s should plan on spending around $500,000 in out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Most retirees will not have saved anywhere near that amount. The average 401(k) account balance for 55-year-old workers contributing for at least 10 years is $234,000, according to Fidelity Investments. See MONEY MISTAKES, page 33

Let The L.W. Experts Introduce You To Fast food From page 29 stock debuted in 2006 at $45 a share. The company doesn’t pay a dividend. Shares now trade for about $340, making the stock unusually expensive relative to the earnings the company generates. Chipotle’s price-to-earnings ratio of 53 is about triple the average P/E of stocks in the Standard & Poor’s 500 index. McDonald’s P/E is about 18, and Yum’s is 21. One reason Chipotle’s stock is priced so richly is the company’s strong growth. Sales at restaurants open at least a year rose 11.3 percent in the third quarter, more than twice the 4.4 percent figure at

McDonald’s U.S. locations. Burnham said Chipotle’s management has a knack for adding restaurants in ideal locations, and the chain’s emphasis on natural and high-quality ingredients is clearly a hit with consumers. He’s happy to hold onto the stock, which makes up about 7 percent of his fund’s portfolio. But he worries that any broad setback in the stock market could cause investors to start selling growth stocks like Chipotle, in favor of safer names. “I think of McDonald’s as a core holding,” Burnham said. “But Chipotle needs to be watched, because it’s not so cheap.” — AP

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Money mistakes

until age 70 will get $1,320 a month. Deciding when to take benefits depends on age, health, how long you’ll keep working, how much is saved and other factors. The Social Security Administration offers a benefits calculator at: http://www.ssa.gov /oact/anypia/index.html. 4. Failing to ask for guidance Problem: Trying to handle retirement savings and investments without help. Solution: Many retirees and those nearing retirement who manage their own money often micromanage their accounts by watching the market’s movement every day. They tend to pull money out when they get scared and keep it out until too late, missing any chance for recovery when the market picks up. This happened to millions of retirement savers as the market collapsed in 2008. Many 401(k) accountholders lost a third of their money. The reverse is also true, as many put their investments on auto pilot and give them no attention at all. A financial planner can help make sure a portfolio is properly diversified and that risk is adequately reduced as retirement approaches. With such low interest rates today, it’s difficult to make any money in cash investments. So a strategy of using bonds with varying maturities, mixing in dividend paying stocks and looking at newly designed annuity products, is important.

From page 31 Solution: One way to be prepared is to purchase long-term care insurance, which can help cover the cost of home care or nursing home care, should the need arise. Couples in their 50s and in good health likely can buy a policy for an annual premium of around $2,500 if they shop for the best rates. Waiting until their 60s to buy can be expensive, with premiums rising to as much as $4,000 to $5,000 a year. To look at options for long-term care planning, check out this site provided by the federal government: www.longtermcare.gov/LTC/Main—Site/index.aspx. 3. Taking Social Security benefits too soon Problem: No one knows exactly how long they’ll live, and these days it’s very common to outlive our own expectations. About one in four 65-year-olds today will live past 90. One in 10 will live past 95. It’s difficult to know how much to set aside for retirement. It’s equally difficult to know whether to take Social Security as soon as one is eligible or wait a few years and get a fatter check. Solution: A worker at the full retirement age of 66 will be entitled to a monthly Social Security benefit of $1,000. That’s reduced to $750 a month if benefits begin at 62, the earliest one can begin to draw checks. However, the same worker waiting

5. Investing too conservatively Problem: Retirees want to protect their savings from losses, but also need to be sure their money is working for them. Investment returns are a vital part of their balance sheet. Solution: Retirement can last for decades. It’s important to recognize that inflation will cause expenses to rise over time, all while retirees are living on a fixed income.

Also it’s a mistake to assume that total expenses will decline in retirement. With more leisure time expenses can rise, and medical costs will certainly increase. This means that it would be a mistake for retirees to invest solely in fixed-income securities. Instead they need to continue to maintain a diversified portfolio, with a strategy that gradually limits their risk of losses as they get older. — AP

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE 12

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

December 2011

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE By Dr. John M. Thompson The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a great time to gather together with family and friends. It’s a time to express gratitude for living another year. It’s a time to be thankful for all of the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us. Yes, it’s a great time to receive gifts, but more importantly, it is a better time to give to others. In this season of giving, I am honored to announce the roll out of the District’s Senior Villages for low to moderate income seniors residing in Wards 7 and 8 or East of the River. The cornerstone principle of senior villages is that of giving — people giving their time and compassion to help their neighbors. The long-term sustainability of senior villages is comprised of a strong base of passionate and dedicated volunteers. Senior villages are membership-based organizations designed to assist seniors and other vulnerable people to remain in their homes so that they do not have to move into nursing homes prematurely. In a nutshell, a senior village is the resource that can virtually meet every need of a senior in their homes, such as assistance with changing a light bulb, organizing a cluttered home and fixing a leaky roof. It is important to note that services typically offered by senior villages are not offered by the District of Columbia Office on Aging (DCOA). For example, DCOA provides transportation services to seniors for lifesustaining medical appointments, such as chemotherapy and dialysis through its Washington Elderly Handicapped Transportation Service. This limited scope in offering transportation does not meet some of our seniors’ needs, such as transporting them to the grocery store, pharmacist and other places. However, with the advent of two new Senior Villages East of the River, our volunteers will be able to meet this transportation need. To be successful in this roll out, DCOA is partnering with its lead agencies, East River Family Strengthening Collaborative and Family Matters of Greater Washington, Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and a host of other District governmental agencies and community-based organizations to connect a vetted group of volunteers with seniors who have an array of unmet needs. We want to be in the forefront of helping them meet these needs so that they are not in jeopardy of having to go to a nursing home. I envision that this effort will revolutionize the long-term services and supports system in the District of Columbia for low- to moderate-income seniors. We invite you to be a part of this movement! We are seeking volunteerbased, not-for-profit organizations; home improvement, lawn care, and home organizing companies; restaurants and other local businesses; and residents who have a desire to help our seniors. We also invite high school and college students in search of community service hours and who are interested in gaining valuable work experience. You can call us at 202-724-5622 to be a part of this positive movement in the District of Columbia. As one of our initial projects, we would like to offer snow removal service for our targeted seniors in Wards 7 and 8. If you are interested in hosting an interactive, community engagement meeting for me to discuss DCOA’s plan for initiating the Senior Villages East of the River, call our office to set up an appointment for me to come to your church, organization, community center or library. Have a very blessed holiday season! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa!

Seniors joined Mayor Vincent C. Gray and other city officials for the Rally and March for Full Democracy that preceded the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedication.

Office on Aging Executive Director John M. Thompson is pictured with E. Veronica Pace, former executive director of the Office on Aging, and Councilmember Harry Thomas, Ward 5 during the ribbon cutting for the D.C. Office on Aging’s new offices. Ribbon cutters included Mayor Vincent C. Gray; Councilmember Tommy Wells, Ward 6; Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Beatriz “BB” Otero; Brian J. Hanlon, Interim Director Government Services Administration; Jacqueline C. Arguelles, Chairperson, D.C. Commission on Aging; Ernest Postell, community activist; Wallacestine Curtis, Ward 6 community leader, and Daniel Pernell, former Ward 6 ANC.

Dr. Thompson takes Mayor Gray and Deputy Mayor Otero on a tour of the new office, which is located at 500 K St., N.E. in the former Hayes School. At the Office on Aging headquarters, District residents 60 and older, their family members and caregivers can call or walk in to be linked to direct services and get information on resources available for seniors. In addition, persons 55 and older can get help seeking employment, and disabled persons age 18 and older can receive assistance from a social worker and help with resources. The Hayes Senior Wellness Center will open next year and provide health and wellness activities for older residents. For more information, call 202-724-5626.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar Beating Holiday Stress and Depression

December events 7th • 11:30 a.m. Attend a lunch-and-learn session about diabetes at Ward 5 Senior Nutrition Centers. For a location near you, call Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

14th • 2 to 4 p.m. Learn more about Seabur y Resources for Aging at its open house at 2900 Newton St., S.E. Contact Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701 for more information.

9th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join in a Ward 4 holiday celebration at Barney Neighborhood House, including a skit titled “A Christmas Reunion.” The event will take place at the 19th Street Baptist Church, 4606 16th St., N.W. Call James Thompson at 202939-9031 for more information.

13th and 27th • 12:30 to 2 p.m. Iona Senior Ser vices sponsors a support group for caregivers of spouses/partners with dementia on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The group meets to share concerns, achievements, frustrations and losses involved in caring for partners who are coping with dementia. The group is free, but donations are accepted. Meetings are held at 4125 Albemarle St., N.W. Pre-registration is required; call 202-895-9448 and select option 4 to register.

15th • 6:30 to 8 p.m. Iona Senior Services will hold its early evening suppor t group for adult children caring for their parents with a chronic or acute illness, including dementia. There is a $10 per meeting fee for this group, which meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 4125 Albemarle St., N.W. Pre-registration is required; call 202-895-9448 and select option 4 to register.

30th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The East River Family Strengthening Collaborative KEEN Seniors program will host its Annual Day Watch Luncheon. This event is designed to celebrate the incoming New Year with song and prayer. For more information, contact Robin Gantt, outreach coordinator, at 202-534-4880, ext 110.

D.C. Office on Aging Ambassador Program In early February 2012, DCOA will unveil its Ambassador Program. The purpose of the program is to increase the public’s awareness about the programs and services offered by the agency. As part of the program, DCOA will facilitate training that covers all federally and locally funded programs for seniors, persons with disabilities, and family caregivers. Those individuals who complete the training will be recognized as DCOA Am-

bassadors and will be equipped with the knowledge to tell others about the agency’s services. DCOA leadership anticipates that this program will ensure that an increased number of constituents are directed to the agency for the much needed services that will help them to lead quality and productive lives in the community. If you are interested in becoming a DCOA Ambassador, please call us at 202724-5622. We look forward to your participation in the February 2012 training!

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Office on Aging for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher. 500 K St., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Dr. John M. Thompson, Executive Director Darlene Nowlin, Editor Adrian R. Reed, Photographer The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race,

color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The Office on Aging is in partnership with the District of Columbia Recycling Program.

Depression is more than going through a tough time or feeling upset or down. It isn’t the same as everyday sadness or anger. It’s a serious medical illness that leaves you feeling sad or miserable most of the time and having a hard time coping from day to day. The Department of Health offers the following tips for those who might be feeling depressed or stressed during the holidays. • Talk to Family and Friends Talking to family, a friend, doctor or someone else you trust can help to relieve stress. You can call our 24 Hour Access Helpline at 1-888-793-4357 to talk to a mental health professional. • Keep Active Doing regular physical exercise helps to relieve mental and muscular tension. It’s a good idea to have a plan to make sure you get around to doing the activities that make you feel better, physically and mentally. Along with regular exercise, try to eat a healthy diet. • Pay Attention to Your Physical Health Research shows that depression is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and can double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Conversely, research shows that living with a chronic illness like diabetes may increase the risk of depression. • Don’t Stop Taking Your Medication or Reduce it Without your Doctor’s Approval Studies show that in times of economic crisis, people tend to reduce their mental health care more readily than their general medical care. This is not the time to skip dosages or split pills. If you need

help, contact our Access Helpline at 1-888793-4357. • Seek Help If you think you need more help than talking to family or friends can provide, or if the bad feelings don’t go away, call our Access Helpline at 1-888-793-4357 for a referral to emergency help or for ongoing care. • Other Resources: Veteran’s Mental Health 1-800-273-8255 24-Hour Suicide Prevention Hotline or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) In addition, the Office on Aging suggests you call 202-724-5626 to connect with a senior program or activity that you enjoy. Stay engaged this holiday season!

The Mayor’s Annual Senior Holiday Celebration for District Seniors Thursday, Dec. 8 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. DC Armory Tickets are required. Call 202-724-5626 for more information.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Careers Volunteers &

Does your organization use senior volunteers or do you employ a number of seniors? If so and you’d like to be considered for a story in our Volunteers & Careers section, please send an email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Volunteers take law into their own hands LCE stepped in to help, and she was allowed to remain, while her grandson was ultimately sent to jail. “I have truly been enlightened,” FordGladden said, “especially when it comes to persons taking advantage of others in areas such as housing or repairs or credit card companies. “My experience has caused me to really appreciate the needs of people that I was often unaware of, and how people can take advantage of others” without their knowledge, she said. “Oftentimes, people in need don’t even realize there are services available to help them.”

Many helpful programs LCE provides legal representation in court for those whose income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (which comes to $21,780 for a single person; $29,420 for a two-person household).

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Volunteer Program Inspires Students to Aim High ReSET is an educational nonprofit that brings enriching science and math learning opportunities to DC-area children. Scientists and engineers teach hands-on science activities to PreK–6th graders (10-hour commitment per semester).

The organization runs a number of other legal and advocacy programs for older adults as well, including the Senior Medicare Patrol Program, which trains volunteers to spot Medicare fraud, as well as the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, in which volunteers serve as advocates for residents of assisted living communities and nursing homes. Volunteers in LCE’s Pro Bono Project help clients with such issues as housing, guardianship, fraud, grandparent caregiving and wills. “We began 35 years ago,” said Aaron Knight, LCE’s director of development, “cre- Martha Ford-Gladden began volunteering for Legal ating a model that uses vol- Counsel for the Elderly 20 years ago, after retiring from a career in science. unteers to work with legal aid attorneys. So it’s in our DNA to use volunteers extensively. And because we give them such substantive acwe’re not at a loss for work, unfortunately,” tivities,” he said. Ford-Gladden, who volunteers two days “We ask that our volunteers make a time a week, has to take two buses to reach commitment of at least five hours a week LCE’s downtown Washington office. She says she is happy to make the commitment. “My volunteerism today is more rewarding than the salary I received when I was in the workforce,” she said. “It makes me feel so much more valued as a person in life, and I feel great that I can get such joy from serving others.” For her work with LCE, Ford-Gladden received a 2009 MetLife Foundation Older Providing Affordable Volunteers Enrich America Award and was Independent and Supportive recently named a local hero by Bank of Services Apartments America. PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE ELDERLY

By Aaron Shifreen and Barbara Ruben After retiring from a career in the federal government as a research chemist, Martha Ford-Gladden considered going to law school. She decided to learn more about the legal profession by volunteering for AARP’s Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) program. While she never ended up pursuing a law career, Ford-Gladden is still volunteering with the legal aid group 20 years later. Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) offers free legal advice and services to District of Columbia residents 60 and older. Its volunteers consist of both attorneys and those, like Ford-Gladden, without law degrees. In one of the most memorable cases she assisted with, an older woman discovered she had been swindled out of her income for years by her grandson, who secretly took out loans on her home and credit. When she was about to lose her house,

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Retired attorneys and teachers Bob Frank, another LCE volunteer, says his greatest passion is the law. He is a retired attorney who specialized in intellectual property and also has a degree in electrical engineering. Frank found himself floundering in 2007, when his work for a law firm came to an end. “When my contract ended, they told me to retire and go enjoy myself, but I was enjoying myself doing what I was doing,” Frank said. “On one of my last days at work, I was See VOLUNTEERS, page 38

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Volunteers & Careers

Why corporate pensions are now so rare Lately, public employees and their benefit pensions to new hires. There is no question that employees are unions have come under fire for their penmuch better off with a desions, which some say are too fined-benefit plan. The differgenerous and place too heavy ence can add up to hundreds a burden on cash-strapped of thousands of dollars. municipalities and states. One major problem with deRegardless of where you stand on that issue, a point fined-contribution plans is that that is hard to ignore is that many lower- and middle-class public employees are one of employees cannot afford to the last segments of the work make the maximum contribuforce that enjoy what was tion. once a commonplace in the Also, not all plans have a private sector but no longer is THE SAVINGS matching contribution from GAME — a defined-benefit pension. the employer. And corporaBy Elliot Raphaelson I worked for a large bank tions can, and often do, disfor 23 years, and was fortucontinue matching problems nate to receive a defined-benefit pension whenever they wish. plan. That is, I was promised a monthly A second disadvantage is that the final benefit after I retired that was based on my benefit is based on the performance of the salary and years of service. This pension investment. If the investments do poorly, plan was guaranteed, was not dependent the final benefit is smaller. If an employee on my contributing to it, and was not sub- retires at a time when markets have perject to the vagaries of the financial mar- formed poorly, his retirement can be in kets. jeopardy. By contrast, employees who joined the According to the Berkeley study, one in bank after I did were offered a defined-con- three Americans aged 64-74 in 2005 “lost tribution pension in the form of a 401(k) 50 percent or more of their financial wealth plan. Their plan was an investment ac- between 1992 and 2002.” count, to which they made contributions Corporations are not obligated to offer — deducted before taxes from their own any pension plan. Unfortunately, over the salaries or wages, with the added benefit last 20 years, corporations — even those of a company match. that have done well — have reduced benefits, including pension plans and medical Most pension plans dropped coverage for most employees, even as Over the last 20 or so years, many large those for senior management have generand medium-sized firms have dropped ally been increased. their defined-benefit plans and replaced Among other things, employers offering them with a defined-contribution plan be- pensions persuaded Congress to relax the cause it is much cheaper. According to a rules and let them use their formerly overrecent study by researchers at the Univer- funded pension plans to help cover other sity of California-Berkeley, today fewer employee benefits, such as retiree health than one in three such firms offer defined- plans and early-retirement buyouts.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 15+

DONATE WINTER GEAR

On Christmas morning, the Original Pancake House in Bethesda and Falls Church will serve breakfast to 900 people in the community living in shelters and subsidized housing. While it has gently used clothing to give to those who attend, the restaurant is seeking coats, hats, gloves and fleece tops. Drop off your donations between Dec. 15 and 24 at these Original Pancake House locations: 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, Md. and 7395 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Va. For more information, call (301) 986-0285 or (703) 698-6292.

Ongoing

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is looking for volunteer drivers to drive patients to and from treatment centers. The hours and days are flexible. Call Brenda Silvia-Torma at (703) 9385550 or email Brenda.Silvia-Torma@cancer.org.

Book investigates problems I highly recommend the new book Retirement Heist: How Companies Plunder and Profit from the Nest Eggs of American Workers by Ellen Schultz (Portfolio/Penguin, 2011). Schultz is an investigative reporter who specializes in retirement issues. The extensively researched book discusses how corporations have “exaggerated retiree burdens while lobbying for government handouts, secretly cutting pensions, tricking employees and misleading shareholders.” She cites examples, including anecdotes about many well-known companies such as AT&T, Bank of America, IBM, Cigna, General Motors, GE and others. This book

should be mandatory reading for employees everywhere — and for members of Congress. Some of the most disturbing passages in Schultz’ book describe how companies hire outside “pension consultants” to take away employee benefits and write “explanations” to the employees that are very deceptive. This practice should be illegal, but apparently it is not. If you work for a corporation that changes its benefits at all, look very carefully at the explanations offered — and don’t accept them at face value. Ask questions of your human resource representatives, who are not necessarily your allies See PENSIONS, page 38

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MENTOR YOUNG “MARINES”

Volunteers are needed to supervise fun activities and serve as chaperones for a youth development program one or two Saturdays a month. Called the Young Marines, the new program offers children ages 8 to 18 the opportunity to learn outdoor adventure skills, land and water safety, first aid and CPR, and more. Membership for adult volunteers is $25 per year, which includes accidental injury insurance coverage, some uniform items and printed materials needed for advancement within the program. More information is available at www.youngmarinesdc.org or by calling (202) 719-2529.

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Volunteers From page 36 referred to do some pro bono work with the AARP, and that is how I got involved with Legal Counsel for the Elderly.” Today, Frank works on housing issues at LCE, dealing with evictions, homelessness and housing code violations. “When I was a patent attorney, I focused

mostly on technical problems. Volunteering with LCE has made me aware of poor, elderly people and their problems. “Previously I dealt mostly with the well off, but here it’s a whole different group of people. Before working with LCE, I knew these problems existed, but now that I’m dealing with them, my perspective has completely changed,” Frank said. Natalie Wasserman began volunteering

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

with LCE six years ago, soon after she retired from teaching at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law. One of Wasserman’s main duties is interviewing clients, mainly those with landlord/tenant issues and grandparents caring for their grandchildren. “I would recommend volunteering at LCE to others because I think it is a valuable experience, and the work that is pro-

vided can allow volunteers to feel like they are really helping people who are vulnerable. That is what volunteer work is supposed to be,” she said. For more information about volunteering with LCE, see www.aarp.org/lce or call volunteer coordinator Marleise Brosnan at (202) 434-2120. Aaron Shifreen was an intern with Legal Counsel for the Elderly.

Pensions

how long it takes to become vested (meaning when you qualify for future benefits) and at what age you can start collecting. If you are offered the choice of taking your payout as a lump sum or as a monthly payout for life, hire a financial planner or an independent actuary to verify that the lumpsum offer truly reflects the benefits you have earned. It’s your money. Protect it. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. Mary Beth Franklin, senior editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, also contributed to this article. © 2011 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

BEACON BITS

Ongoin

YARN DONATIONS SOUGHT

Byron House Assisted Living residents recently knitted and crocheted more than 100 baby bonnets and scarves for infants and toddlers in need, which they donated to the nonprofit Families, Inc. They are now seeking donations of yarn to continue their work. Byron House is located at 9210 Kentsdale Dr., Potomac, Md. Contact Sharon Borowiec at (301) 469-9400 for more information.

Our Mission: To secure the well-being of Montgomery County Seniors through the shared strength of diverse organizations and individuals.

Professionals working with seniors are invited to our Senior Service Network Meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 8:15 a.m. Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md.

Monthly Meeting: Thurs., January 5 at 8:15 a.m. Matt Kelleher of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue will speak at Holiday Park about fire safety and seniors.

Ready or not, here it comes...

From page 37 (they represent corporate management). If your pension and benefits are eroding, unfortunately there’s not a great deal you can do to stop it. The most important thing is to understand the implications, especially for your retirement planning. If you are one of the many with no retirement plan or a 401(k) that will not meet your retirement needs, now is the time to reassess your investment program to ensure a comfortable retirement. And if you are covered by a pension, make sure you know the rules. Find out

BEACON BITS

Dec. 17

INVESTMENT CLUB OPEN HOUSE

The Washington Metro Investment Club (WMIC) is having an open house meeting at 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at the McCourt Building, 1 County Complex Ct., Woodbridge, Va. The club is comprised of a small group of novice investors interested in learning about current trends in investing. Contact Ken Wright (703) 801-1465 or email Lavoy12@yahoo.com.

Ongoing

VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES

The Montgomery County Dept. of Health and Human Services is partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center to provide outreach and crisis services to veterans. An outreach worker will be available Mondays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see vets on both a walk-in and appointment basis. The center is located at 1301 Piccard Dr., Room 1005, Rockville, Md. For more information, call (240) 777-3315.

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Leisure &

Lively Asheville, N.C. is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. See story on page 41.

Reasons to go to — or revisit — China generation. Automobiles now clog the streets of cities that were built when bicycles were the primary mode of transportation. Signs lining highways that once touted the benefits of socialism have been replaced by advertisements for designer clothes, luxury condominiums and the latest electronic gadgets. Vendors sell dumplings, noodles and other traditional street food off rickety wooden carts parked in front of KFC, McDonald’s and other imported fast food restaurants.

By Victor Block Throughout the city of Qufu (pronounced Chew-foo), China, numerous statues and posters depicting Confucius gaze out at the scene. If those portrayals were to come to life, they might frown at what is taking place in the birthplace of the venerated philosopher and teacher. Brought up in poverty some 2,500 years ago, Kong Fuzi — the Chinese name which from “Confucius” evolved — stressed that no laws or moral guidelines should be broken in the quest for wealth. Based on that counsel, some of his followers came to regard profit itself as immoral. Given current developments, that certainly isn’t true of most Chinese people today. As the nation evolved over the past 30 years from a state-controlled socialist economy to a partly capitalistic one — or, as the Chinese government puts it, “a socialist market economy with Chinese characteristics” — a dash for cash has become the goal of many, especially the younger

A land of contrasts

PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

Even in the face of these and other changes, the “old” China lies beneath the veneer of rapidly expanding cities, and continues to keep many smaller towns and villages in the countryside firmly in its grasp. After all, it’s not easy to erase 5,000 years of history in a few decades. To my wife Fyllis and me, it is largely these and countless other contrasts that keep drawing us back to China, most recently for our ninth visit over the past 23 years. Anyone planning a trip to that fascinating country should consider including Shandong Province in their itinerary. Shandong, a coastal province, lies between Beijing (342 miles north of Qufu) and Shanghai (492 miles south of Qufu). Innumerable vestiges of China’s long history, which make Shandong Province a virtual museum of the country’s past, mingle with evidence of its frenzied transformation into a modern society. Some of Mother Nature’s most magnificent accomplishments compete for attention with myriad man-made treasures. In an area not much larger than Maryland, Residents of the small village of Hanqiao in China’s Shandong Province shuck corn, which will then be made into D.C. and Virginia combread. bined, visitors may enjoy

Germans occupied the city of Qingdao for 15 years, starting in the late 19th century, building houses with red-tiled roofs and establishing the brewery that makes Tsingtao beer. Qingdao was the host city for the 2008 Olympics sailing regatta.

much of what China has to offer, including attractions that should be included on any “must-see” list.

Confucius’ home town The life and teachings of Confucius serve as a magnet for tourists from all of China and the world. Americans whose familiarity with him is confined to sayings in fortune cookies may be surprised to learn that he was the author of what today is known as the Golden Rule. Among teachings he shared with his students was the admonition, “Never do to others what you would not like them to do to you.” Exploring the city of Qufu immerses visitors in the life of the sage. The Temple of Confucius, originally built about the time of Kong Fuzi’s death, which most sources date to 479 B.C., occupies the site of the modest three-room home where his family lived. It has been expanded over hundreds of years to include 466 rooms and pavilions that sprawl over 46 acres. The adjacent Confucian Family Mansion, begun in 1038 A.D., is almost as vast. Now comprising 152 buildings, it has served as home to senior male heirs. The third major Confucian site is the largest family cemetery in the world, where the tombs of more than 100,000 descendants of Confucius surround his sim-

ple grave site. Thousands of ancient trees give the site a forest-like appearance. As the capital and transportation hub of Shandong Province, Jinan (Dze-nahn) is one logical starting point for a tour. Overseas visitors to this part of China usually fly to the capital city Beijing, then take one of the frequent domestic flights or highspeed trains to Jinan. Jinan is a large, bustling city perched in a valley near the Yellow Sea. Its major claim to fame is its reputation as a “City of Springs,” with more than 100 natural pools, many embellished with gardens and pavilions. In keeping with the Chinese propensity for colorful names, they include Five Dragon, Black Tiger and Racing Horses springs. A few hours outside Jinan is Mount Tai, a major destination for Chinese visitors as well as those from abroad. For at least 3,000 years, it has been a place of worship in both the Taoist and Buddhist religions. Many ancient emperors came to offer sacrifices at the mountain’s Jade Emperor Peak and Sun Viewing Peak. The latter, as its name implies, is a popular spot from which to watch the first rays of the morning sun. A treasure-trove of elaborate ancient pavilions, towers and stone inscripSee CHINA, page 40

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China From page 39 tions carved on cliffs cover the 5,069-foot high mountain. In my opinion, a number of other cities throughout Shandong Province have more to offer. For example, in addition to the famous beer that is produced in Qingdao (Ching-dow) and sold as Tsingtao, that city is known for an unexpected collection of buildings in German-style architecture. The bright red tiled roofs and half-timbered exteriors stand out from the surrounding Chinese-style structures. That juxtaposition resulted from 15 years of occupation of the port city by Germany beginning in 1898, not long after which (1903) the uninvited guests established the brewery.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Given its location overlooking the Yellow Sea, Qingdao was the site of the sailing events during the 2008 Olympics held in China. The Olympic Sailing Center includes a museum devoted to that occasion. Wine, rather than beer, is the focus in and around Yantai (Yan-tie), known as “the city of grape wine.” While archaeological findings indicate that wine was used for sacrificial ceremonies in China as long as 9,000 years ago, modern production began in 1892, when the Changyu Pioneer Wine Company was established in Yantai. During the past 30 years, a number of other wine makers have found conditions for growing grapes around Yantai, and elsewhere in Shandong Province, to be beneficial. The growth of China’s middle class during the past three decades has provided a

domestic market for locally made wine. Of approximately 500 wineries in the country, about 140 are located in Shandong Province. A number of them offer opportunities for tours and tastings. The Changyu Wine Culture Museum in Yantai is one popular stop. Even after taking more than our share of winery tours over the years, Fyllis and I found much of interest there. Never before had we descended to a wine cellar that was constructed more than 100 years ago, seen such an extensive display of primitive vessels used in ancient wine making, or observed almost eerily lifelike dioramas portraying such wine production activities as making aging oak barrels and cutting bark from cork trees to seal the bottles.

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5 0 DECEMBER 2011

I N S I D E …

AP PHOTO/RICHMO ND

By Bob Brown and Bill Lohmann The familiar figure walked into the living room of his home in The Plains, a small town just off Route 66 in Fauquier County, Va., wearing a navy-blue shirt, blue jeans and cowboy boots. He greeted a pair of strangers with the sort of geniality most of us reserve for people we actually know. “What’s up! Good to see you!” he said. “Bobby Duvall. How are you?” In a world of self-important celebrities, Robert “Bobby” Duvall — one of the great American actors of our time — exudes an authentic, down-to-earth manner, whether he’s telling a funny story about Marlon Brando, one of his acting heroes, or expressing gratitude for the more recent fertilizing work of Bubbles the Elephant on behalf of his farm’s pumpkin patch. “That whole pumpkin patch was her domain while she was here,” Duvall said of Bubbles, who resides in a wildlife preserve in South Carolina and came to Duvall’s place last spring for an event involving his charity, the Robert Duvall Children’s Fund. “I don’t know much about elephants, but she was terrific.” The legacy of Bubbles’ visit was a bumper crop of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes he displayed this fall a few hundred yards from the main house on a 360-acre farm in Fauquier County. Duvall shares the home with his wife, Luciana, an Argentine actress and director who also shares his birthday, Jan. 5, though Academy Award winning actor Robert Duvall, 41 years apart. 80, talks with visitors of his home in The Plains, Not slowing at all, Duvall, in the living room Va. Duvall has starred 80, stars in peared most in movies for nearly recently in this fall’s the recently released 50 years. He apSeven Days in Utopia, Seven Days in upcoming movie and has completed filming Jayne Mansfield’s Car Utopia, the story of the , directed by Billy Bob a talented young Thornton. golfer who loses his way on the course acted in it, Duvall said, “He’s a and in life, and finds character. A himself in Utopia, His characters have been very, very gifted guy. That Texas, where he meets tough and guy is great.” an eccentric ranchfunny, gentle and odd, likeable er who provides guidance and not. He and wisdom. A life doesn’t care; he just wants of “interesting” roles Duvall plays the rancher. them to be interesting, which is why Versatile and prolific, Duvall he insisted writers Last summer, Duvall finished has played give his character shooting a scores of in Utopia a bit of an roles for big screen and movie in Georgia with Billy small. Bob Thornton edge after he read the He has performed in movies original script and (“the hillbilly Orson Welles,” of great ac- declared the as Duvall admir- claim rancher “too white-bread.” — including The Godfather, ingly describes him). It’s True titled Jayne Mans- Grit He is not afraid to take and M*A*S*H — and field’s Car and focuses on chances, even uttered some singing the culture clash of in Tender Mercies (1983) of Hollywood’s most iconic two families from different in which lines, such as he played countries. a recovering alcoholic “I love the smell of napalm “The most unique script country in the morn- music singer I’ve ever ing,” as — a role for which he the intense and surfing-obsesse worked on,” said Duvall won of the movie. “It’s Lt. d his only Academy Award Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse for Best Actor. wacko time, but totally Now. legitimate because His favorite role? Gus McRae Next year is the 50th anniversary families can be crazy.” in the reof his markably good first movie role: the reclusive 1989 television miniseries As for Thornton, who wrote, Boo Radley directed and in To Kill a Mockingbird. TIMES-DISPATCH,

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LEISURE & TR AVEL

Visiting Confucius’ home town in China; plus, the lively cultural scene in Asheville, N.C., how to become an airport VIP, and Bob Levey ‘s reflections on elderhood page 39

As elsewhere in China, evidence of the nation’s split personality is everywhere throughout Shandong Province. In cities, modern office and condominium skyscrapers stretch as far as the eye can see. Members of the “millennial generation” sporting the latest fashions in trendy clothing are as glued to their cell phones as their counterparts in the United States. Yet, travel just a short distance outside any metropolitan area, and you also travel back in time. In many villages, tiny houses line narrow, labyrinthine dirt streets, and people carry heavy loads on shoulder yokes as generations of their forebears did. In nearby farm fields, men and women till the soil with basic implements not very different from those used centuries ago. It was not far from Yantai that Fyllis and I delved into a sampling of such village life. Speeding over a six-lane divided highway toward our next destination, we spotted a tiny hamlet not far off the road and asked our guide if we could go there. Soon we were strolling through the narrow lanes of Hanqiao (Han-kwee-au), snapping pictures and nodding to villagers who stared at us with curiosity. Men and women of all ages were working in the streets, preparing corn to be made into meal for bread. Several people were breaking up tree branches that would become fuel during winter. A teenage boy tended a cabbage patch planted in a narrow strip of soil beside his modest house. Throughout China, in villages like Hanqiao, life is little changed from decades ago and sometimes longer. Introductions to intriguing historical tidbits stretching much further back in time are available at a number of outstanding museums that proliferate in cities, towns and more isolated venues. We came upon one museum that is as interesting for its location as for what’s on display. The collection at the Museum of Ancient Chariots between Qufu and Yantai includes replicas of ancient horse-drawn

carts that were used for tasks ranging from hauling crops and fighting wars to transporting emperors and other dignitaries. We found intriguing a camel-driving chariot of the type used in the Liao Dynasty (907-1125 A.D.), and oversize carts that were pulled by elephants brought from India. The star of the collection is a line of halfburied chariots, each attached to the skeleton of a horse by a harness. We learned that the chariots and horses, which had been drugged and buried alive, were placed there some 2,600 years ago to transport a deceased dignitary to the next world. When workers constructing a highway dug into the burial chamber, the archaeological discovery was left intact and the road was completed above it. The loud rumble of cars and trucks passing overhead was a bit unnerving, until I was assured that the ceiling of the underground museum was adequately reinforced. With a history of pottery making dating back 8,000 years, it’s fitting that Shandong Province is home to a Museum of Pottery and Porcelain. Highlights include displays of very fine chinaware pieces that are as much works of art as functional items. Even more appealing to Fyllis and me was a whimsical collection of more than 3,000 clay pieces, stretching over 90 feet in length, depicting people engaged in every aspect of pottery making as it was done a century ago. The display also included jugglers, a barber shaving a customer’s head, and a man riding a singlewheel bike.

A more open culture American tourists are welcome in China, and those who have been there before are likely to experience a new openness on the part of many people. While expressing love for their country and the same sense of patriotism common in the Unites States, several of the men and women whom we met felt free to voice some criticism of their government. We even heard some gentle jokes about their nation’s leaders. In addition, some newspapers and magazines now print stories about protests throughout the country, as well as government officials who have been caught and punished for corruption — a freedom in journalism that was unheard of only a few years ago. The best way to visit China is on a group or individual guided tour, with Englishspeaking guides, accommodations and other arrangements provided. For more information or help planning a trip, log onto www.travelshandong.com, or call Night Hawk Travel, which specializes in tourism to Shandong Province, at (800) 420-8858. Victor Block is a Washington, D.C.-based travel writer.

ARTS & STYLE

A delightful rendering of Pride and Prejudice on the local stage; plus, Linda Lavin on her busy career and new CD page 54 FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Heart ops for the inoperable k An app that may improve vision LAW & MONEY k Give to charity — but wisely k Fast food stocks on upswing

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS 36 k Taking the law into their hands LIFETIMES k News from the Charles E. Smith Life Communities

PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

The entire Beacon staff wishes you a happy holiday season!

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Lively Asheville boasts arts, eats, scenery

What to do downtown The compact downtown area is a great place to explore on foot, whether shopping or just sightseeing. Cultural sites include the boardinghouse

where author Thomas Wolfe lived. Once run by his mother, the restored yellow Victorian building at 52 N. Market St. is open for tours daily except Monday. See www.wolfememorial.com or call (828) 253-8304. The Asheville Art Museum, on the city’s expansive public square, houses a collection of 20th and 21st century art in a handsome Renaissance Revival-style building dating to 1922. Located at 2 S. Pack Square, it’s open Tuesdays through Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons; www.ashevilleart.org or (828) 253-3227. The adjacent Pack Square Park is a lovely outdoor expanse with frequent festivals, concerts and other events. For events, check www.packsquarepark.org. Asheville stays lively at night, with colorful street performers and busking musicians along the sidewalks. Not to miss is the Friday night drum circle in Pritchard Park, at 4 College St. Anyone can join in — and hundreds of all ages do, with an amazing assortment of drums and spectators, ranging from babies to toetapping grandmas, none of whom can resist the pulsing tribal rhythms.

Dining and brew pub picks Good dining options include Mela, an upscale Indian restaurant at 70 N. Lexington,

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

INFO ON TRAFFIC, TOURISM AND TRANSPORTATION

The Maryland Department of Transportation has launched a new official travel information service called Maryland 511. Travel information is provided through the internet at www.md511.org and by phone at 511 (for those in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia ). Maryland 511 provides users with real-time traffic information, transportation alternatives and links to tourism spots across the state.

May ‘12

By Lindsey Tanner The culture-packed city of Asheville, N. Carolina, is a hilly oasis tucked in the state’s western corner and could easily be called the Berkeley of the Blue Ridge. A thriving city of some 83,000, Asheville has something for everyone — from history and outdoor activities to a green, new-agey vibe. Attractions include lovely Art Deco buildings, scores of artsy shops, ethnic, locavore (locally grown) and vegetarian restaurants, microbreweries and music venues, and of course the Blue Ridge Mountains. I discovered Asheville during a tour of prospective colleges with my teen son. When he ultimately enrolled last year in Warren Wilson College, a tiny eco-focused liberal arts school in a utopian farm setting just outside of town, I became smitten. Home to one of several University of North Carolina campuses as well, Asheville has a distinctly college-town feel. But it’s also a destination spot for retirees drawn by the beautiful mountain setting, temperate climate and bushels of activities.

Biltmore House, near Asheville, N.C., is the largest privately owned home in the United States, at 175,000 square feet. It features 250 rooms.

(828) 225-8880, www.melaasheville.com, and Early Girl Eatery, featuring tasty “farmto-table” comfort food and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 8 Wall St., (828) 259-9292, http://earlygirleatery.com. Down the street at 40 Wall St. is Laughing Seed Cafe, an airy vegetarian favorite serving international food for lunch and dinner; (828) 252-3445, http://laughingseed.com. Go downstairs inside the cafe to reach Jack of the Wood, a Celticstyle pub with hearty pub-fare ranging

from burgers to shepherd’s pie, local brews, and great rootsy live music most nights, including bluegrass and Irish sessions. The pub’s main entrance is on the street below, 95 Patton Ave. Call (828) 2525445, or visit www.jackofthewood.com. Asheville is also home to several craft or microbreweries offering tastings or tours, including the Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Highway, (828) 299-3370, See ASHEVILLE, page 42

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Asheville From page 41 www.highlandbrewing.com; Asheville Brewing Co., 77 Coxe Ave., (828) 255-4077, http://ashevillebrewing.com, and the French Broad Brewery, 101-D Fairview Rd, (828) 277-0222, http://frenchbroadbrewery.com, which features live music Thursday

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

through Saturday nights. Beyond downtown, the Folk Art Center, about six miles east at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, features galleries and a shop with works by southern Appalachian artists.

Opulence and outdoor pursuits Visitors favoring opulence can take in the

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8,000-acre Biltmore Estate — the monumental chateau and retreat created by George Vanderbilt in 1895 and now a National Historic Landmark, www.biltmore.com. Selfguided tours of the mansion and gardens are available every day; 1 Lodge Street, about six miles south of downtown; 1-800-411-3812. For outdoor enthusiasts, possibilities include rafting, canoeing or kayaking on the French Broad River, which snakes through town and beyond. There are also miles of nearby trails for hiking, cycling or mountain biking. The area is known for breathtaking fall foliage, typically from late September through early November. The area’s tourism website, www.exploreasheville.com, has links to tours, gear rental and suggested hikes and drives. Asheville has many bed-and-breakfast inns and chain hotels on the outskirts. My favorite accommodations are downtown. The Sheraton is close to shops and dining, with comfortable rooms starting at $134 a night and a huge outdoor pool, 22 Woodfin

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St., (828) 253-1851, http://bit.ly/cTMwvV. Slightly more expensive downtown options include the Renaissance Asheville, across the street at 31 Woodfin St., (828) 252-8211, http://bit.ly/qLGYrs; and the Hotel Indigo, 151 Haywood St., (828) 2390239, http://bit.ly/qLGYrs. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is about nine miles south of downtown. Continental, United and US Airways fly from the Washington area. The least expensive mid-December fare is $322 roundtrip from BWI Marshall Airport. Asheville is 470 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. — AP

BEACON BITS

Dec 21

Enjoy a free continental breakfast to ring in the holidays at the Long Branch Senior Center on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 10:30 a.m. The center is located at 8700 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring, Md. For more information, call (240) 7776975.

Dec. 14

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If you remember Green Stamps, the “Ed Sullivan Show,” or The Saturday Evening Post, take a trip down memory lane with an interactive program on the 1950s at the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring, Md. The free event takes place Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. Sign up by calling (240) 777-8085.

Dec. 15

UPDATE ON ISRAEL

The B’nai Israel Congregation Hazak Senior group presents Galit Baram from the Israeli Embassy on Thursday, Dec. 15. Her talk will be on “Problems Israel Faces Today.” The meeting starts at noon (bring a dairy lunch), and the program begins at 12:30 p.m. at B’nai Israel, 6301 Montrose Rd., Rockville, Md. For more information, call (301) 881-6550.

Dec. 8

MONTGOMERY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Join Seniors Organized for Change on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. for a discussion with Montgomery County Councilmember George Leventhal. The program is free; participants can stay for lunch afterward for $5. The meeting takes place at Ring House, 1801 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, Md. Call Debbie Sokobin at (301) 348-3760 for reservations.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Become an airport VIP at a sensible price For most of us, big airports are among the Memberships and day passes world’s most hostile environments. Crowds, If you’re a frequent traveler, you probably noise, long lines, inadequate already know about the lounge seating, and garbled announceprograms of the big three doments are the norm. mestic airlines. They pitch anFortunately, even occasionnual memberships, which proal travelers can avail themvide unlimited access to selves of the road warriors’ lounges in their own system refuges: VIP airline lounges. plus those of any lines belongMostly, you’ll have to pay, but ing to their major alliance. an oasis of calm can be worth The drawback here is a a few bucks. very stiff yearly fee — typicalMost large airlines maintain ly $400 to $500 a year for an a chain of VIP lounges at their TRAVEL TIPS individual and an additional more important airports. Typi- By Ed Perkins $200 or $300 for a spouse. The cally, they feature a quiet envifees are high enough to disronment with comfortable seating. Most courage once-or-twice-a-year vacation travnow offer drinks and snacks free of charge. elers. Most large foreign lines feature simFor entertainment, they provide lots of ilar programs, also at high prices. magazines and newspapers, several TVs, Smaller lines — including Alaska, computers with printer, and WiFi Internet Hawaiian, Frontier and Virgin America — access. operate small-scale lounge programs at If you need help, most are staffed with somewhat lower fees, but even those are agents who can arrange seat assignments, pretty stiff. upgrades, cope with missed connections, Fortunately, you don’t have to pony up and such — typically, more quickly than $500 to get into a lounge for just one or two agents on the outside can. trips. Most of the big U.S. lines sell oneMost lounges are on the “air side” of secu- day membership passes for $40 to $50 a rity, near the sponsor airline’s terminal or gate area, but a few are “land side” as well. See AIRPORT VIP, page 44

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

When you’re the oldest person in the room It was an innocent business meeting on No, I didn’t walk around and ask the atan innocent late-summer day. There was a tendees for their dates of birth. But a man brief break in the speechifying who is well beyond 60 knows and handshaking, so I decided what people well beyond 70 to sit near the back and survey look like. And they didn’t the fairly large crowd. look like any of these. If a percussionist had been There were quite a few 50there, he would have crashed somethings, and a pretty his cymbals, once, noisily. solid slab of 40-somethings. I suddenly realized that I Most of the crowd was 35-ish. was the oldest person in the There were even a few 20place. somethings, who were lookOh, my heavens. Oh, my HOW I SEE IT ing uncomfortable around aching bald spot. How in the By Bob Levey their elders, as young-ish world did THIS happen? folks so often do. Just a blink of an eye ago, I would arrive But no one had been learning to walk, at such meetings by running up eight or going to school, or making a living flights of stairs — and I wouldn’t even be when I first put in an appearance. short of breath. My first reaction was abject, vain fear. I would eat as much lunch as I liked — and What if someone has brought a flab-oI wouldn’t need two coffees afterward to meter to the event? He will test me, and I keep me from lapsing into a nap. will have the worst score. Meanwhile, the ladies would trace my Will they evict me? Will they charge me every move with their eyes. Or so I liked to double? Will they order me to engage in a believe. crash course in weightlifting so I can But to get to this meeting, several strengthen what used to be my abs? decades later, I had ridden the elevator. My second reaction was more abject, And I had avoided lunch for fear of snor- vain fear. ing. All those young folks were busily netMeanwhile, if the ladies were tracing working — exchanging business cards as if my every move with their eyes, they had the cards were about to go out of style. gotten a lot better at concealing it. What if no one asked for mine? What if

someone asked me if I was the father, or the (yikes!) grandfather, of one of the speakers? My third reaction was more reflective. I was at this event because I had been invited — and I would never have been invited if I hadn’t been worth inviting. How often had I said that one continues to get better with experience? My being at the meeting obviously proved that. I still had plenty to say and plenty to contribute, didn’t I? And yet…. My fourth reaction was to pity all those young folks. Such strivers. So insecure. So aggressive. Could they be secretly wishing that they, too, were past the Social Security threshold, where the phrase “career arc” takes on an entirely new (and far shorter) meaning? My fifth reaction was to call a friend. He was born the same month I was. I described the scene and recounted Reactions One Through Four. His response did not exactly fill my heart with joy. “Be glad you’re there at all,” he said. “What do you mean?” I said. (I’m very good at saying that, especially at my age.) “I mean what Casey Stengel, the famous baseball manager, once said.” “Which was what?” “‘Most people my age are dead,’ Casey said.” “Great. Thanks a bunch. I’m so glad I called.”

My sixth reaction was to get off my considerable duff and mingle. I discovered that every one of the younger people I approached was courteous, respectful and interested. I didn’t get the brushoff the way boring Uncle Charlie does at family weddings — one perfunctory Q-and-A followed by a sudden urge to refill one’s wine glass. My seventh reaction was to ask some of the young folks for their ideas about how to make the world a better place. They were flattered. They were forthcoming. And a lot of their ideas were pretty solid. My eighth reaction was to kick myself in my considerable duff. “Robert,” I said to myself, “does it really matter that you’re the oldest person here? “No one has disrespected you or disregarded you. No one has assigned you to a seat where it’ll be easier for your decrepit self to see and hear. No one has offered you a discount based on your AARP membership. “Just what are you worried about?” So it was time for my ninth reaction. A vow to quit complaining whenever I’m the oldest person in the room (which will surely happen again — perhaps often — perhaps quite soon). My tenth reaction? You’ve just finished reading it. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

Airport VIP

Priority Pass offers three membership options: $99 a year plus $27 per visit; $249 per year, including 10 visits; and $399 per year for unlimited use; guests of members always pay $27 for entry. • American Express Platinum Card provides no-charge access for you and up to two guests at participating worldwide airport lounges operated by American, Delta and US Airways on the day of flight when you’re ticketed on the airline, with locations in most big U.S. airports. This card also offers no-extra-charge enrollment in the top level of Priority Pass. • Premium credit cards from Continental and United (soon to be combined) include admission to the combined lines’ lounge clubs. • Diners Club gets you and guests into more than 250 airport lounges around the world, but for a fee of around $30 each time. Obviously, if you’re really keeping costs to a minimum, a lounge club is an extravagance. But for many of you, finding added personal service plus peace, quiet and comfort is well worth the cost. Try it once for yourself. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. Perkins’ new book for small business and independent professionals, Business Travel When It’s Your Money, is now available through www.mybusinesstravel.com or www.amazon.com. © Tribune Media Services

From page 43

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pop. You can buy them online or at the door. Some lines even let you pay with frequent flyer miles. You’ll also see them advertised on eBay or Craigslist. As I’m writing this, eBay is listing one-day passes for Delta ($14.99 bid) and United ($27.99 “buy it now.”) In addition, many airport-run lounge clubs around the world offer one-time access. Several websites, including UK-based Lounge Pass (www.loungepass.com) and TripExtras (www.tripextras.com/airportlounges), provide search functions listing airport lounges available on a one-time basis at major airports around the world. Participating lounges are a mix of airline and independent locations. Typical fees are in the range of $30 (officially priced in pounds) per visit.

Credit card perks For many of you, however, a premium credit card or an independent program may be the more useful approach: • Priority Pass (www.prioritypass.com) is the largest independent airport club operation, with more than 600 participating lounges at more than 300 airports worldwide, including many in the U.S. Some are airline-run lounges; others are independent VIP centers.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A Special Supplement to The Beacon newspaper

Happy Hannukah Page 7

December 2011/No. 23

No snoozing with the schmoozers by Emily Tipermas Few men would argue with the claim that a schmooze over cards, golf, business deals, and social events—basically wherever and whenever the spark ignites—counts among life’s singular pleasures. Thanks to “The Men’s Schmooze Group,” led by volunteers Arnie Hammer and Harold Schneiberg, schmoozing is alive and well at the Hebrew Home. Schmooze Groups convene every Wednesday— mornings at the Smith-Kogod Residence, afternoons at the Wasserman Residence. Resident Walter Morse, who never misses the one-hour sessions, says he likes being part of “this informal group of men with diverse experience who enjoy talking with each other.” He then adds, “I enjoy talking, and this gives me an opportunity!” Hammer, 69, and Schneiberg, 76, fill the schmooze agenda with material drawn from TV news, the Internet, and newspapers. Occasionally, group members are treated to the appearance of special guests, like former Redskins lineman Dexter

Arnie Hammer and Harold Schneiberg, both retired lawyers, lead the lively Men’s Schmooze Group.

Manley and Wegger Chr. Strommen, Ambassador of Norway to the US. Participants look forward to updates on the economy and politics; they especially relish hearing about the upcoming 2012 elections. In addition, they discuss sports, history, developments in the Middle East, tech advances and controversial issues before the Supreme Court. Plenty of jokes (some racy!) are sprinkled throughout. They get a kick out of exploring political scandals featuring the “bum of the month.” “The goal,” says Hammer, “is to keep these guys current with what’s going on in the world — as well as to promote camaraderie.”

Schneiberg regards the effort he and Hammer invest in the Schmooze Group as “an important part of public service — giving back to the community.” Hammer, who today chairs the Home’s Ethics Committee, began volunteering at the Home nine years ago. He enlisted Schneiberg to partner with him after the two became friends on a tour to Spain. The sight of group participants, often in wheelchairs, enthusiastically engaged in a lively schmooze, underscores the inherent rewards of learning and social interaction at any age. ■

HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON • SMITH-KOGOD & WASSERMAN RESIDENCES COHEN-ROSEN HOUSE • HIRSH HEALTH CENTER • LANDOW HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE • RING HOUSE

Safe transitions in care

All set to grow again

Own a piece of history

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

We are compiling our annual Generation to Generation issue devoted to “Senior Discounts.” Help us spotlight great local senior discounts. Submit offers you have discovered, or those offered by your own business. Send information to hhinfo@hebrew-home.org by January 30, 2012. Visit our Generation archives to read a wide range of compelling topics and tips relevant to seniors and their families. Go to www.hebrew-home.org; click on Newsroom.

Generation to Generation Traversing Health Care Settings Moving any ill patient from one health care provider or treatment site to another is a complex process that frequently involves the cooperation and coordination of multiple caregivers and professionals. If the patient is frail, elderly and suffering from age-related health issues, the challenges are compounded. Today, the healthcare community at local and national levels understands the critical need to improve what have come to be known formally as “transitions in care” to avoid problems that might complicate a patient’s safety and medical outcome. This is a good thing. Starting point

Communication essentials

Dr. James Lett, MD, vice president of Medical Affairs at Charles E. Smith Life Communities and a member of the National Transitions of Care Coalition (NTOCC), asks us to imagine a typical transition scenario:

NTOCC provides a checklist of information to be shared. Examples include:

A medical crisis prompts the sudden necessity of transporting a senior from the comfort and familiarity of their home to the hospital via ambulance. Sick and frightened, the individual is lifted from a warm bed and placed on a hard gurney. He/she is dazed by bright lights, faces never seen before, poking, prodding, needles, and an onslaught of questions. Vision or hearing impairment and possible dementia may heighten confusion. As the patient is wheeled into a hospital emergency room the drama continues with more confusion, more questions, more discomfort, and more fear.

• A complete list of medications and allergies

When asked what clinicians and caregivers can do to improve care transition to ensure the patient’s safety, protect against medical errors, and avoid negative outcomes, Dr. Lett says they must evaluate how they share important information regarding the patient. “Taking care of frail elders isn’t just an issue for nurses and doctors. It’s the ultimate team sport. Everybody who touches that elder needs to be in communication.” Page 2 | December 2011

• Patient assessments including normal baseline status along with the presence or absence of confusion

• Care plans • Relevant lab tests, x-rays and other clinical test results • Instructions on the extent to which families and loved ones wish to pursue aggressive care Resources The NTOCC website – at www.ntocc.org – offers valuable information about care transitions and an array of consumer tools: • Patient Bill of Rights During Transitions of Care • Guidelines for a Hospital Stay • My Medicine List • Taking Care of My Health • Transitions Toolkit for Consumers Advancing Patient Safety (CAPS) ■

www.smithlifecommunities.org

Dr. James E. Lett II, VP, Medical Affairs

Initiatives April 20, 2012, the Home, along with Suburban Hospital and Sibley Hospital, both members of Johns Hopkins Medicine, will sponsor a symposium on “Transitions in Care” for physicians, clinicians, healthcare professionals and community caregivers. The event, to be held at Rockville’s Woodmont Country Club, will follow the successful format of the Centennial-year symposium on dementia care. With tracks for administrators, clinicians and caregivers, the presentations will address issues involved in moving a patient safely from one care setting to another, including improved communication and patient and family empowerment. Information on registration and speakers will be posted at www.hebrewhome.org as details become available.

Perspectives “In order to improve health care in this country, patients and providers must ensure better information exchange at all stages of the health care process, and patients and their caregivers should actively participate in a standardized communication plan.” — Denis Waitley, American Writer

LifeTimes

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Our campus offers stimulating programs designed to suit every interest and ability. In “Write with Us,” a popular class at Ring House taught by Deborah Rittenhouse, resident Jerry Norris composed fascinating accounts of his WWII experiences. Recently posted online by a local newspaper for Veteran’s Day, you can read them at News Releases 2011 on the Newsroom page at: www.hebrew-home.org. Jerry Norris, 1940s

Knees in 3’s This is an exceptional story in which coincidence and friendship mix to create the perfect tonic for successful rehabilitation. The coincidence, revolving around the number 3, introduces us to 3 Iranian ladies - Azar, Forough, and Sogand, their 3 arthritic knees, 3 knee replacement surgeries at Suburban Hospital on the same fall day, and 3 subsequent admissions, on the same day, to the Rakusin Rehabilitation Center at the Home. Azar, 85, and Sogand, 80, moved to the U.S. over a decade ago, met here and became fast friends. Aside from a mutual homeland, they shared something else: the same physician treating their painful and worsening knee arthritis. They decided to schedule their surgeries and post-op rehab stays at the Hebrew Home at the same time. Unbeknownst to them, a third Iranian, Forough, 70, who came to America 20 years ago, also scheduled knee replacement surgery on that same date—at the same hospital and with plans to recuperate at the Hebrew Home. Admissions assigned Azar and Forough to the same room in the Wasserman residence; Sogand was two doors down. Our 3 ladies became 3 friends, went to physical and occupational therapy together, and now continue to recover in their homes. "Everyone is very nice, very good, very kind — like nothing I've seen before," said Sogand, a retired nurse, who expressed praise for the care she received. ■

The too good to be true benefit

When the Wilson Parrot Foundation paid a visit to the Hebrew Home with their retinue of exotic parrots, the multicolored birds quickly discovered perches galore – on the residents! Eleanor Yedwab handles her feathered friends with aplomb.

Volunteer David Geitzer served as gentleman escort to the lovely Miriam Frank, 90, as she took a turn down the fashion runway at the Hebrew Home Fashion Show.

A pension program, funded by Congress in 1951, provides veterans who were active during wartime and their surviving spouses a monthly, taxfree benefit to offset the cost of home health care or assisted living care. A veteran 65 years or older can receive up to $1,644 monthly in addition to Social Security and pension payments for these health care expenses. A surviving spouse can receive up to $1,056. Ring House, Revitz House and Landow House are “Veterans First” communities that assist in educating veterans and their families about this benefit, and recently hosted Neil Kaplan, of the American Association for Wartime Veterans, who presented two seminars on campus. For information, contact the American Association of Wartime Veterans at 1.800.850.5504. This program is one of many, informative and educational programs for seniors and caregivers offered by Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Recent topics have included new advance directives, downsizing, and estate planning. To learn about upcoming topics, e-mail berkman@hebrew-home.org. ■

Help for hoarders

• Put the focus on living safely. How did a TV series on hoarding find so many cluttered homes? • Set a de-cluttering goal that reflects the hoarder’s goals, It might not have been hard – one estimate puts 24,500 hoarders in not yours. A clean bathroom vanity may be more realistic Montgomery County alone. According to the Washington Post, local than a clean house. jurisdictions are establishing hoarding task forces to deal with the • Don’t touch possessions without permission. Forced mental health and safety issues. clean-ups don’t resolve the problem. Charles E. Smith Life Communities brought experts Elspeth • Practice: sort, de-clutter, don’t acquire more. Bell, Ph.D. of the Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington, • Bring in a professional organizer if you cannot stay calm or and professional organizer Marcie Lovett to advise area health care avoid arguing. Because hoarding is usually accompanied by providers at a recent seminar at Revitz House. other mental health issues, professional counseling may be The line between collecting and hoarding has been crossed indicated -- 57% of hoarders are depressed; many have an when rooms can no longer be used for their intended purpose, or anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive behaviors. when emergency personnel cannot easily get through doors or Find six hoarding excuses and six strategies to combat them hallways. Tips from the seminar: at www.hebrew-home.org/news. ■ LifeTimes

www.smithlifecommunities.org

December 2011 | Page 3

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

I make my own decisions. I’m independent. I can keep it that way at Revitz House. Revitz House is an exceptionally friendly, affordable community — unique in its price range for the services you’ll find here, such as free bus transportation to shopping and cultural outings, a bountiful dinner each evening, and Independence Plus! This special program offers a menu of popular services such as medication reminders, shower assistance and light housekeeping at extremely affordable prices. Find the key to maintaining your independence right here in Rockville, from just $1,054 a month. For more information call 301.770.8450

FirstPerson Poised to grow again Memory loss affects every resident and their loved ones differently. The focus at the new Cohen-Rosen House will be on understanding each individual and providing assisted living care they can respond to positively. Beginning with the first modest Hebrew Home 101 years ago, we have Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO grown, changed and adapted to meet the dynamic and emerging needs in our community. Cohen-Rosen House will add to our campus services both architecturally and programmatically by providing a safe and caring home for 18 residents with memory issues in an assisted living environment. Here, residents, families and caregivers will find dedicated support, natural living environments and specialized programming tailored especially to their needs. Cohen-Rosen House will be about “connections” that are at the core of a healthy and healing environment: • Connections with each resident and with their families • Connections with their caregivers and fellow residents • Connections with their faith and guided by our Jewish values • Connections with the natural environment Visual cues throughout the residence will help residents make and keep these connections. The open floor plan affords: • Views of caregivers and activities • Views to the outdoor courtyard, trees and pond • Views of art • Views of personal memory boxes Bringing this residence and service to our community is the work of many. I want to thank Judy and Richard Cohen for their philanthropic generosity and their involvement in this project. Thanks are also due to Alan Freeman, chair of the design task force; Rusty Minkoff, chair of the construction task force, Eric Krull, architect, as well as all the Charles E. Smith Life Communities staff who have worked diligently on Cohen-Rosen House for their hard work and inspirational design.

Blueprint for our 2nd century

www.revitzhouse.org

Breaking ground for the new Cohen-Rosen House, a memory care residence On October 25, Charles E. Smith Life Communities broke ground for a new 18-unit assisted living residence specially designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s and memory loss, made possible by lead benefactors Judy and Richard Cohen. Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler were among the community leaders who participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking for this new memory care residence, the sixth residence on Charles E. Smith Life Communities Rockville campus. The Cohen-Rosen House will add to the spectrum of eldercare services both architecturally and programmatically by providing assisted living services for 18 residents with Alzheimer’s/memory issues who need a specialized assisted living environment. Van Hollen called for a continued investment in Alzheimer’s research, treatment and efforts to find a cure, and thanked the Cohens for their generosity, vision and commitment at a time when so many were struggling financially. The Cohens spoke movingly about their parents and grandparents, immigrants who built successful businesses and families in the Washington commu-

Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO Charles E. Smith Life Communities.

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www.smithlifecommunities.org

LifeTimes

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

What’s new about Ring House?

Everything. Granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, individual washer/dryer, walk-in showers, new trim, new carpeting and more. Call 301.881.5012 to check out our new apartments for independent living.

www.ringhouse.org

nity. “The Washington I grew up in was like a large family, where everyone knew everyone else,” Judy said. Throughout her childhood, the Hebrew Home was an important presence. “If you look at the statistics, 1 in 10 will develop Alzheimer’s. I want to help continue the Home’s amazing work, and provide a place where residents will find loving care, a beautiful place and attentive caregivers.” Richard Cohen is chairman and president of Willco Companies, a leading commercial real estate development and investment firm. The Cohen-Rosen House, a $7 million project, will have an entrance on the circle behind Ring House on East Jefferson Street that also gives access to Hirsh Health Center. When the building is complete, there will also be a connection to the adjacent Landow House which provides assisted living. Cohen-Rosen House will facilitate the connections that are at the core of a healthy and healing environment -- connections among residents, with their families and staff, and with the natural environment. An open plan will help residents make and keep these connections with views to the outdoor courtyard, trees and pond, views of caregivers and activities, and views of art and memory boxes. The building is expected to open in fall 2012. ■ LifeTimes

Breaking ground for the new Cohen-Rosen House, from left, Construction Task Force Chair Rusty Minkoff, Centennial Campaign Co-chair Marc Solomon, lead benefactors Richard and Judy Cohen, County Executive Isiah Leggett, Ring/Landow House President Alan Freeman, President/CEO Warren Slavin, Charles E. Smith Life Communities Chair Andy Friedlander and architect Eric Krull.

Guests at the groundbreaking received hard hats and a pocket-sized mini tool kit.

Debbie Cohen Ellick and Steve Ellick

From left Nathan Landow, lead benefactor of Landow House; Chris Van Hollen, keynote speaker; benefactor Richard Cohen; Marc Solomon, Centennial Campaign co-chair and Warren Slavin, President/CEO.

www.smithlifecommunities.org

Photos by Randy Sager

Charles E. Smith Life Communities Board Chair Andy Friedlander, left, presents a ceremonial shovel to lead benefactors Richard and Judy Cohen at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Cohen-Rosen House in Rockville. Congressman Chris Van Hollen, seated, was the keynote speaker at the event.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

IT MAY BE USED… BUT IT’S NOT USELESS!

Bring sunshine into the room of a Hebrew Home resident with a colorful arrangement of flowers. Flowers brighten Shabbat and other special occasions. For information or to place an order, contact the Volunteer Department at 301.770.8333 or print an order form at www.hebrew-home.org/family.

Consider donating your car to the Hebrew Home. Proceeds benefit our elderly residents. It’s an easy, tax-deductible gift… and we offer FREE towing. For more information,

please contact us at

301.770.8329.

LifeLines Name it today with tomorrow’s dollars “Nathan and Naomi” (to protect the privacy of the actual donors) contribute annually to the Hebrew Home. They have seen first-hand how rehabilitation therapists have helped relatives and friends recuperate and how others have benefited from the Home’s respectful long-term care. Nathan and Naomi were interested in naming a special area of the Home to honor a family member, and they approached us with a creative way to accomplish this using a deferred gift. This is how it worked: Nathan and Naomi had owned a property The staff at Landow House announces a perfect annual survey for many years that they decided to sell. They created a Charitable score, an exceptional accomplishment in assisted living. Remainder Unitrust (CRUT for short) with the Hebrew Home as an irrevocable beneficiary, and they transferred the property into this trust. When the Trustee then sold the property, everyone benefited. The couple avoided paying tax on the capital gain, they received a tax deducDear Mr. Slavin: tion for contributing the property to the trust, and they are enjoying an I am writing to let the Hebrew Home and Landow House administraincome of 5% of the value of the trust assets. With the Hebrew Home as tion know how pleased my sister, Miriam Selman, and I are with the the irrevocable beneficiary, and trust assets ample for a naming contrigood care my mother, Helen Stern, has been receiving since she was first bution, the opportunity to choose and name a special area was available. admitted to the Landow House in January, 2010. In particular, my mothUsing a CRUT, bequest or other type of planned gift provides mucher has been so happy with the feeling of security she has because of the needed support to the Home, albeit a bit later than today. Like “Nathan care she receives from the assistant assigned to the 2nd floor of Landow and Naomi,” you too can use an irrevocable planned gift for naming House, Yvonne Spiegel. opportunities in the Centennial Campaign. You could have the pleasure of When my mother first came to the Landow House, she was disabled seeing the impact your gift has today, while ensuring sufficient income for by two strokes and had tried to remain at home with in-home care, but yourself and your family in retirement. For further information, please found it isolating in spite of daily visits from my sister and me. The isocontact Julia Pitkin-Shantz, CFP®, director of gift planning, at 301.770.8342 lation became depression, and motivated my sister and me to look for an or at GiftPlanner@hebrew-home.org. ■

In Our Mailbox

Planning Your Legacy: A Guide to Planning Your Estate, is our newest publication. It includes a fourstep plan to help you get started on the process of planning your estate. You can list your assets and name the key people you wish to act on your behalf. Download the helpful booklet at www.hhgwgift.org by clicking on “Wills Guide,” or contact our Gift Planner Julia Pitkin-Shantz, CFP®, at 301.770.8342.

LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Inc. The Hebrew Home is registered in Maryland as a charitable organization. Documents and information filed under the Maryland Charitable Solicitation Act may be obtained from the Maryland Secretary of State, 410.974.5534. We are an equal opportunity employer and we provide access to community programs without regard to race, age, national origin, familial status, religion, sex or disability. Our services and programs are open to all in the community. Andrew S. Friedlander, Chair Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO Marilyn Feldman, Editor Nicholas Simmonds, Vice President, Development and Public Affairs © 2011 by The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852-4856, 301.881.0300

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assisted care facility that would provide my mother with a better environment. We chose the Landow House, and the change in my mother’s quality of life was dramatic. The good care she receives from the staff, the sociability of the meal time and the various events she attends literally have given my mother a new lease on life. The careful attention that Kathleen Henman has given to any questions that my sister and I have raised with her has lifted a great deal of stress from our shoulders. To my mother’s great happiness, she has been cared for by Yvonne Spiegel, whose understanding, warmth and affection have made such a difference. As my mother likes to put it, Yvonne is “cut out for the job” and is “a real treasure.” Each day, Yvonne helps my mother and makes sure that she is both physically and emotionally secure. Even when the shift ends, Yvonne stops in to see if my mother needs anything before she leaves. My mother has asked me to write this letter on her behalf, to give Yvonne a well-deserved commendation. My sister and I are happy to do it, and we think your administration will enjoy receiving it. We really are so glad that the Landow House is here for her. Very truly yours, Deborah Stern

www.smithlifecommunities.org

LifeTimes

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Hannukah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated throughout our campus with the traditional lighting of the menorah. We extend warmest wishes to friends, families, supporters and surrounding communities for a joyous holiday season and memorable celebration of all cherished traditions.

Great shirt! Great party! Great race!

EventMakers

MollyBeth Rushfield and Karen Hammerman crossed the finish line in their specially-designed race T-shirts.

Own a piece of history

Chairs, Natalie and Eric West, with their children Eli and Phoebe, helped raise $52,000 to benefit residents at the Hebrew Home. The 2011 Home Run race drew more than 350 registered runners.

President’s Circle Dinner

Photos by Randy Sager

Hebrew Home resident Irma Lindauer, 89, worked in the late 1970s to early 80s as personal secretary to Hugh Hamilton Webber, executive vice president of New York’s famed 102-story Empire State Building. “He loved the building “like it was a child of his,” said Mrs. Lindauer. As a token of their friendship, upon retirement Ham, as he was called, presented her with an important collection of photographs that document the building’s construction, 1929 - 1931. Her son, Georgetown University professor Bennett Lindauer and his partner have generously donated a photo to the Home in Lindauer’s mother’s honor. Appraised at $10,000, this 8” x 10” photo by noted photographer Lewis W. Hine depicts the delivery of steel to the Empire State Building construction site. You can bid on this photo at the Starlight Lounge event December 7, or online until 10 a.m. Tuesday, December Irma Lindauer and her son, Bennett. 6, at www.hebrew-home.org. The winning bid will be determined at the Starlight Lounge, which features entertainer John Lithgow and honors Carolyn and David Ruben with the 2011 Guardian Leadership Award. ■

Youth Philanthropy begins 3rd season The third season of the Home’s successful Harold and Shirley Robinson H2YP Youth Philanthropy Program will begin in January. The youth philanthropy board, which meets monthly from January to May, enables high school students to play an active role as philanthropists and decision-makers for grants to benefit campus residents. The H2YP board has 15 – 20 students in grades 9 through 12. Each participant makes a contribution of $250 toward the grant pool. Departments from the Hebrew Home will present grant proposals to the students, who act as a foundation board, reviewing the proposals, and then voting on which programs to fund. The students gain a personal and deeper knowledge of tzedakah, and learn more about Charles E. Smith Life Communities. If you know of high school students who might be interested in this worthy program, forward their names and contact information to Gale Deitch at deitch@hebrew-home.org or call 301.770.8409. ■ LifeTimes

Vivian Pollock, Ryna Cohen, Deena Kaplan and Marcia Kaplan joined over 130 guests at the President’s Circle Dinner November 13, which honored our most generous donors. “Teddy Roosevelt” greets hosts David and Susan Fink, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum - Renwick Gallery where guests enjoyed a private tour of the exhibit, Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts from the White House, and dinner in the elegant Grand Salon.

www.smithlifecommunities.org

December 2011 | Page 7

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John Oliver: Popular singer and pianist Pianist George Peachey, front, with operatic soloists Jacqueline Neimat and Bryan Jackson

Entertainers

Music, applause and laughter stream from the social halls of our residences each week when musicians, singers, and dancers visit Charles E. Smith Life Communities to entertain residents. Our generous supporters make this possible – and for that we are exceedingly grateful! Learn how to become a partner in our efforts at www.hebrew-home.org. Click on “Support Us.”

Friday, April 20, 2012 Transitions in Care, an educational seminar for clinicians, professional caregivers and community

✓ check 8111 or for CFC ■ ✓ check 49705. Support the Hebrew Home through your gift to United Way ■

Revitz House resident Lida Moser poses with her pet Melissa for an upcoming story in Guide to Retirement Living. An affordable choice for independent living, Revitz accepts small pets – to the delight of Lida, 91, who is a respected photographer.

7:30 am- 2 pm, Woodmont Country Club

Our Other Special Events First Sunday of each month Jewish War Veterans, 10:30 am, Ring House Veterans and interested persons welcome

Photo by Laura Seldman

For more information about community events, resident programs and family support groups, visit www.hebrew-home.org and www.smithlifecommunities.org

DOUBLE The impact of your gift! $36 becomes $72 $72 becomes $144

How to reach us... ■

$180 becomes $360 ■

DONATE NOW Page 8 | December 2011

Hebrew Home 301.770.8476, Rehab 301.816.7705, Long Term www.hebrew-home.org Revitz House 301.770.8450 www.revitzhouse.org

■

Hirsh Health Center 301.816.5004

Ring House 301.816.5012 www.ringhouse.org

www.smithlifecommunities.org

■

Landow House 301.816.5050 www.landowhouse.org

Volunteer Programs 301.770.8333

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2011 50+Expos at Ballston and White Flint Malls

rmation changed info exhibitors ex d an Expos. th es bo de Atten ussions at sc di y el liv in and engaged

Dr. Charles Blahous, a trustee of Social Se curity & Medicare, addresses Ballston Expo attendees and answers their Social Security questions.

White Flint Expo attendees enjoy a Zumba Gold exercise class demonstration.

Expo attendees fill out door prize forms at the registration desk, hoping to win the many dinner cruises and CVS gift cards given away.

Montgomer y County E xecutive Ik gets his bloo e Leggett d pressure checked at Cross Hospi the Holy tal health sc reening bo oth.

the Prevention ings provided by Glaucoma screen steady stream of ciety attracted a of Blindness So people.

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Style Arts &

Linda Lavin has been busy off-Broadway and beyond. See story on page 58.

Actors excel in adaptation of Austen novel of Austen’s tone, even if it dilutes her satirical view a bit.

A battle of the sexes Our tale is set in England’s Regency Period, a brief span between the Georgian and Victorian eras when, supposedly, women wielded most of the power in courtship. In this case, the courtship takes place over a year around the turn of the 19th century as Mrs. Bennet (Catherine Flye) tries to marry off her five daughters. She’s frantic and is much less concerned about the suitors’ character than she is with their wealth and proper social status. It seems that because of an old will, when Mr. Bennet, played by Rick Fouchex, expires, their estate will leave the immediate family. So their security as members of the gentry hinges on the daughters making “good” marriages. When wealthy Mr. Bingley (Clinton Brandhagen) arrives to summer in the country, he brings with him his mischievous sister Caroline (Susan Lynskey) and the rich and dashing Mr. Darcy (Brusasco). Darcy and the strong-willed and intelligent Bennet daughter Elisabeth (Cook)

Love, passion, and the perils of courtship Photo: Kate Cook & Michael Brusasco. Courtesy of Utah Shakespeare Festival, photo by Karl Hugh.

Pride and Prejudice JOIN LIZZIE & MR. DARCY FOR HOLIDAY SEASON FUN! NOW THRU DECEMBER 31

Tickets: 240.644.1100 or ROUNDHOUSETHEATRE.ORG

Bethesda

PHOTO BY DANISHA CROSBY

By Michael Toscano How do you adapt a venerated, 400-page novel for the stage, especially in this era of fragmented, Blackberry-addled attention spans? Fairly well, if you’re Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan, whose version of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is now onstage at Round House Theatre Bethesda. It’s a longish show, running (with intermission) at almost two hours and 45 minutes on opening night. But except for several sluggish scenes late in Act 1, it’s a sprightly, well-performed show. Round House Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison traveled west to the Utah Shakespeare Festival in the summer of 2010 to direct this adaptation, and the experience produced artistic benefits for local audiences. For this D.C.-area premiere, he brought back his two stars from that production, Kate Cook and Michael Brusasco, as characters who fight against their own faults to fall in love. The results of their spending so much time with these characters are performances that have an extra level of resonance. The effect is to accent the lightness

Michael Brusasco and Kate Cook star as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, a play adapted from the Jane Austen novel that is premiering locally at the Round House Theatre.

soon engage in a battle of the sexes, leading, of course, to romantic rapprochement.

Innovative stage set The light, playful tenor is marked at the outset by Narelle Sissons’ set, a floor-toceiling cube on a turntable. Red-coated soldiers resembling Nutcracker statues turn a large key set in one side, which starts the turntable spinning like a combination toy house and music box. Doors open in each side to reveal small interior settings. Otherwise, the stage is barren, framed by massive blow-ups of a handwritten manuscript of the novel’s pages. The rapid scene changes allowed by the set make most of the play flow quickly and seamlessly. The only exceptions come in the second part of the first act, where dialogue becomes weighed down by extensive exposition and discussion. Energy begins to lag, but it picks up again as the second act opens and never fades again. The cast mixes local favorites (including Fouchex, Flye, Lynskey, and Michael Tolaydo, who handles two supporting parts) with D.C. newcomer Cook and Brusasco, who makes his Round House debut. The entire cast seems to delight in Austen’s wit, and it’s infectious. Flye has long-ago perfected her English not-so-grand-dame persona, and trots it out

again to exceedingly comic effect. Every syllable, every facial expression is perfectly exaggerated to draw maximum fun, and she will likely earn a Helen Hayes nomination for her work here. Flye makes Mrs. Bennet’s pursuit of wealthy suitors for her daughters endearing, when she might otherwise be insufferable. Likewise, L ynskey’s voice is a catty purr as she delights in poking the foibles of those experiencing the pangs of love. We share in her delight, rather than condemn it.

Lead characters brought to life Brusasco and Cook possess their roles to a remarkable degree. Cook shows us a strong woman who can’t help resisting the social conventions she finds restraining, but she does so with warmth and good humor. Brusasco has a more challenging role, as Darcy must be difficult and arrogant, yet principled. In Act 1, the dialogue and action accents the man’s flaws, and in Act 2 he is rather suddenly revealed as a softie at heart. It is an abrupt transformation, but Brusasco smoothes the edges. The late scenes in which Darcy and Elizabeth stop fussing and accept that their See PRIDE & PREJUDICE, page 57

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PHOTO BY AVE BONAR

With Emmy Winner

HOLLAND TAYLOR of Two and a Half Men

“ANN RICHARDS WAS THE GREATEST WOMAN I’VE EVER KNOWN.” —Liz Smith

Everything is bigger in Texas. For the late Texas governor Ann Richards, that maxim held true not only for her huge character and heart, but also her wit and hairdo. Now, Emmy Award–winning stage and screen actress Holland Taylor brings audiences a hilarious, inspiring, and no-holds-barred look at the unforgettable Governor of the Lone Star State. Taylor wrote the play as a way to take the audience on a journey, swirling together the past and present to reunite Ann Richards with old friends and introduce her to a new generation.

Pre-Broadway engagement—see it in D.C. first!

DECEMBER 17, 2011–JANUARY 15, 2012 Tickets at the Box Office or charge by phone (202) 467-4600 Order online at kennedy-center.org TTY (202) 416-8524 | GROUPS (202) 416-8400

EISENHOWER THEATER Watch a video promo for ANN on your smart phone— just scan the tag! Download the free app at gettag.mobi

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Duvall From page 1 “Lonesome Dove.” He had a woman from Texas tell him she refused to let her future son-in-law marry into the family until he watched “Lonesome Dove.” His best work? He rarely watches his movies, but about six months ago he went to the shelf and pulled down Stalin, a made-for-TV movie from 1992 in which he starred. “That final scene where I played Stalin,” Duvall said, “that’s as good as I can do.” Ruthless Soviet dictators are one thing, but Duvall’s heart lies with Westerns. He would like to do more, he said, and not only because the barbecue on Western locations is mostly superb. “That’s our genre,” he said. “The English have Shakespeare, the French

Molière and the Russians Chekhov. The Western is ours. “I say let the English play Hamlet and King Lear,” Duvall said. “I’ll play Augustus McRae.”

Growing up on both coasts Born in San Diego, Duvall fell in love with the cowboy West on childhood visits to an uncle’s ranch in Montana. He and his brothers would ride horses and camp out, listening to the stories of the pioneers who settled the region and the Native Americans who were displaced. Duvall also spent considerable time on the East Coast. His father was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and an officer during World War II, so the family alternated living in San Diego and Annapolis, Md., which offered a different lifestyle from Southern California.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

“I remember my brother would go down and catch six soft-shell crabs, right from the creeks there, and my mother would cook them,” he said. “You cannot beat that.” Duvall’s parents nudged him into acting when nothing else in school seemed to click. After a stint in the Army, he attended drama school in New York on the G.I. Bill. He scuffled for a while looking for work with his roommate Dustin Hoffman and one of his best buddies, Gene Hackman. Things, you might say, worked out for all of them.

Virginia roots Duvall has lived among the rolling hills of Northern Virginia hunt country for most of the past two decades, which is appropriate since he has Virginia roots. His father grew up in the Lorton area, and his mother was related to Gen. Robert E. Lee (“Yeah, but so is everybody else in Virginia,” Duvall said with a laugh). He also noted that despite his Southern heritage, his father’s family during the Civil War were pro-Union farmers behind Confederate lines. His grandfather was named Abraham Lincoln Duvall. Duvall liked “the vibes” in Virginia, in part because he had a brother living in Alexandria. Duvall lived for a short while in Loudoun County before acquiring the farm where he now lives. “My wife says, for her, Virginia is the last station before heaven,” Duvall said, laughing. “She loves it here. We like Texas, but we like living here.” He has not been afraid to become involved in community spats regarding development. He stepped into the spotlight soon after moving to the area to oppose a proposed Walt Disney park in Prince William County in 1994. A dozen years later, he lent his face and voice to a landowner battle against a multistate power line. More recently, he stood up publicly against Wal-mart Stores, Inc. and its plan to build a store in Orange County near the Wilderness Battlefield. Ultimately, the retailer withdrew its proposal. Not all of his community engagement is contentious. He shows up in places such as the Red Truck Rural Bakery in Warrenton and hangs out with the locals and visitors. At Red Truck, which turns out goodies such as double-chocolate moonshine cake in a building that formerly housed an Esso filling station, Duvall is even on the menu: Bobby’s Breakfast in a Box is a collection

of coffee cake, bread, coffee and homemade granola the Duvalls like to send to friends and relatives. Bakery owner Brian Noyes describes the Duvalls as “charming,” and he related how a couple from out of town showed up at the Red Truck the other week because their son in Warrenton had told them about Duvall and his occasional visits. A few minutes later, Duvall walked in and sat next to them. “Sure made their day,” Noyes said of the couple. “The guys talked movies for half an hour.” A portion of every purchase of Bobby’s Breakfast in a Box goes to the Robert Duvall Children’s Fund, which aims to improve the lives of impoverished children and their families throughout Latin America, India and the United States. Duvall occasionally hosts lectures, dinners and dances in his barn — the structure is appointed more for parties than critters, and features a saloon-style bar that would have fit right in on the set of “Lonesome Dove” — to raise money for the organization. Duvall still rides horses, but not nearly as often as he used to, and he requires “a pretty bomb-proof horse.” “You’ve got to be careful because they’re not machines,” he said. “They don’t love you like a dog.”

Looking for his next role But he’s not looking for hobbies, just work. Good work. He still receives a steady supply of scripts. Some good, some not so much. He would love to do something different, though he doesn’t know quite what that might be considering the variety of his experiences. But he’s open to suggestions. “Sometimes you plan something, then something else will come around the corner to surprise you,” he said. “I still get a kick out of doing this, so I don’t feel like I’m jaded so that I can’t find something that’s new and fun to do.” Duvall has been acting so long and so well, did he ever think about what he might have done for his life’s work if not for acting? “I don’t know what I’d done if I hadn’t gone into this business,” he said. “Maybe a not-so-successful high school football coach? Maybe [own] a ranch out west? That’s a good question. I think about that.” — Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP

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BECOME AN ELECTION JUDGE The Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking registered

voters who are willing to be trained to serve as judges for next year’s elections. The greatest need is for Republicans and Spanish-speaking judges. Training will begin early next year. Elections will take place April 3 and Nov. 6, 2012. To sign up or for more information, visit www.777vote.org <http://www.777vote.org/> or e-mail election.judge@montgomerycountymd.gov or call (240) 777-8533.

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strong personalities actually mesh well are skillfully calibrated and enchanting. She is winsome, yet never loses the sensible, whip-smart personality that makes Elizabeth an enduring heroine. Brusasco makes us believe the stammering, love struck guy we see here is a natural extension of the haughty man we met earlier. Yes, he’s pride, and she’s prejudice, but by the end they are both redemption. Jane Austen’s gift to generations of readers with Pride and Prejudice is a combination of sharp wit and her dexterity in exploring the magic that brings women and men together, especially when their faults get in the way. Overcoming those barriers is a universal aspiration, whether in the English countryside 200 years ago, or in the age of social media. The book speaks clearly through Robison’s staged version, and is a welcome holiday treat for its fans. Pride and Prejudice continues through Dec. 31 at Round House Theatre Bethesda, 4545 East-West Highway in Bethesda. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8 p.m. Matinee performances on Saturday

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Dec. 17+

ENCORE CHORALE HOLIDAY CONCERTS Regional Encore Chorales of older singers will join together to

perform their annual holiday concert in two locations: on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, Va., and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. at Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. More than 100 singers will sing holiday favorites. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call (301) 2615747 or email Jeanne.kelly@encorecreativity.org.

Dec. 7+

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR FORECLOSURE? The D.C. government, through the Homesaver Program, now offers forgivable loans to D.C. homeowners who have fallen behind on

their mortgages because of unemployment. Housing Counseling Services will offer free workshops on the program at noon Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 and at 6 p.m. on Dec. 21. The meetings will be held at the group’s office, 2410 17th St., N.W., Suite #100, Washington, D.C. Call (202) 667-7006 for more information.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

Bring Your Group to the Kennedy Center for Entertainment on a Grand Scale!

GROU P SAVE S UP TO 15%! A M E R I C A N B A L L E T T H E AT R E ’ S C O R Y S T E A R N S A N D G I L L I A N M U R P H Y I N L A B AYA D È R E . P H O T O B Y R O S A L I E O ’ C O N N O R

La Cage aux Folles

Winner of three Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival, this hilarious new production starring George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber is bringing you Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together… stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to themselves!

Jan. 17–Feb. 12 ✽ Eisenhower Theater Musical Theater at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Adrienne Arsht Musical Theater Fund.

American Ballet Theatre

Cirque de la Symphonie Michael Krajewski, conductor Music and magnificence combine in a performance that matches symphonic thrills from the likes of Khachaturian, Dvorˇák, and Tchaikovsky with heart-stopping circus acts by aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, and strongmen. The San Francisco Examiner calls the troupe “dazzling and elegant if not death-defying!”

The Kennedy Center Ballet Season is sponsored by Altria Group. American Ballet Theatre is supported through the generosity of The Lee and Juliet Folger Fund. Additional support for the Kennedy Center Ballet Season is provided by Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater One of the world’s favorite dance companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is now led by Robert Battle. The company returns with a week of new works and classics, including the iconic Revelations on every program. Visit kennedy-center.org for programs.

Feb. 7–12 ✽ Opera House

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GEORGE HAMILTON AND CHRISTOPHER SIEBER IN LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

Feb. 23–25 ✽ Concert Hall David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO. The 2011-2012 National Symphony Orchestra Pops Season is proudly sponsored by

American Ballet Theatre’s elegant stars present ballet’s past and future with Petipa’s evening-length work La Bayadère (Feb. 2–5) and a mixed repertory program (Jan. 31 & Feb. 1) that features Paul Taylor’s Black Tuesday and Christopher Wheeldon’s Thirteen Diversions, as well as two pas de deux to be announced.

Jan. 31–Feb. 5 ✽ Opera House

PHOTO BY PAUL KOLNIK

From page 54

and Sunday begin at 3 p.m. Special performances have been added during the holiday period. A post-show “talkback” is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11, and there will be a sign-interpreted performance on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10 to $60. “$10 Tuesday” tickets are available for all age groups on Dec. 13, 20 and 27. Round House offers discounts on nonsubscription tickets to patrons 65 and older for center orchestra or center balcony seating. The price for Pride and Prejudice is $40 per ticket. The discount must be requested at the time of ordering. Proof of age is required when tickets are claimed at the box office. These tickets are not available online. There is a limit of four tickets per order. For tickets and more information, call (240) 644-1100 or visit www.roundhousetheatre.org. Michael Toscano is the Beacon’s theatre critic.

Così fan tutte In Mozart’s game of love and seduction, two young men wager that their fiancées will remain faithful, even when tempted. To prove it, they decide to do the tempting themselves. Acclaimed director Jonathan Miller’s modern-dress production captures the essence of Washington, DC, and features a stunning ensemble including Elizabeth Futral, Renata Pokupic, Joel Prieto, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, William Shimell, and Christine Brandes. WNO Music Director Philippe Auguin conducts Mozart’s score. Part of The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna.

Feb. 28–Mar. 15 ✽ Opera House David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO. International festivals at the Kennedy Center are generously supported by the HRH Foundation. Additional support for The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna is provided by Michael and Noémi Neidorff and The Honorable Nancy G. Brinker.

ALOYSIA GAVRE IN CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE

PHOTO BY ANDREW ECCLES

Pride & Prejudice

International Programming at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts. ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER’S RACHAEL MCLAREN

Toll free (800) 444-1324, TTY (202) 416-8410 Visit our Web site at kennedy-center.org/groupsales

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Linda Lavin on her busy career, new CD and has just released her first CD, “Possibilities.”

A meaty starring role In the dark comedy The Lyons, Lavin played the mother of a family grappling with the impending death of its patriarch. It is a central role, one not offered by Follies or Other Desert Cities, and it deeply moved Lavin. “I love a short run [the play closed in late November], and I love being in on something at the beginning. So this offer, when it came, was a perfect time,” she said. “Nicky’s play offered more meat on the bones, and it was something I absolutely had to do.” Decision made, she had to walk away from Follies, in which she was singing the iconic song “Broadway Baby,” and from Baitz’s play, in which she played a lefty alcoholic. Her part in the Sondheim musical was given to Jayne Houdyshell, and Judith Light took her part in the play for Broadway. Lavin said Light is a wonderful actress who will do “great justice” to the role she left. As for Follies, Lavin calls it like doing a beloved rock show. “It’s The Rocky Horror Show of Broadway,” she said. “The shows are much bigger than my participation.” Mark Brokaw, who directed Lavin in

AP PHOTO/BONEAU/BRYAN-BROWN, JOAN MARCUS, FILE

By Mark Kennedy Linda Lavin was in two well-received productions last season that are on Broadway this fall: Follies at the Kennedy Center and Other Desert Cities at Lincoln Center. So which one is she doing in New York? Neither. Lavin instead took a strong part in Nick Silver’s new play The Lyons, which opened off-Broadway in October at the Vineyard Theater. “There’re absolutely no regrets. This is a great part. I don’t know when I’ve been this satisfied with one role,” Lavin said over a breakfast of yogurt and fresh fruit. “I’ve never gotten final closure like I do with this character.” Lavin, 74, is these days basking in a burst of renewed attention, decades after the Golden Globe- and Tony Award-winning actress put on a paper hat to play a waitress in Mel’s Diner on the long-running TV sit-com “Alice” (1976-1985). “That’s just the most amazing thing for me. I’m being invited to all these parties at this stage in my life and my career,” she said. “I’m feeling very, very lucky.” Besides the Stephen Sondheim musical and Jon Baitz’s play about a dysfunctional family wrestling with a deep secret, Lavin has finished a movie, the coming Wanderlust with Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd,

Linda Lavin, who recently starred in the off-Broadway play The Lyons, has also recently released a CD of her favorite jazz songs. Last year, she performed in the Kennedy Center’s production of Follies.

The Lyons, was happy to have her. “It’s a fantastic role with great range, and [we were] so happy to have her because she is a serious actress with fantastic comic chops.”

A CD of favorite songs When the discussion veers to her new album, Lavin brightens even more. Backed by a jazz band, she sings 12 favorite songs, including “Two for the Road,” “It Might As Well Be Spring” and “You’ve Got Possibilities.” “Look at me,” she said, beaming. “I’m like a child about it.” [Lavin celebrates the release of the album with a concert at Birdland jazz club in New York City on December 5, where she will be joined by three of her co-stars from The Lyons.] With Lavin’s twist on standards, the CD boasts two notable additions: liner notes by Hal Prince, whom she calls her first mentor, and drumming by Steve Bakunas, who happens to be Lavin’s husband. Prince gave Lavin her first big break

while directing the Broadway musical It’s a Bird ... It’s a Plane ... It’s Superman. She went on to earn a Tony nomination in Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers in 1969, and the Tony for another Simon play in 1987, Broadway Bound. In between, she starred in “Alice,” singing the theme song and becoming an icon for working moms. She and Bakunas, an artist, musician and her third husband, have been together for 13 years and make their home in Wilmington, N.C., where they converted an old automotive garage into the 50-seat Red Barn Studio Theatre. It opened in 2007 and their productions include Doubt by John Patrick Shanley, Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet, Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire, and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife by Charles Busch, in which Lavin also starred on Broadway. Lavin in recent years has been at Lincoln Center in Paul Rudnick’s comedy The See LAVIN, page 60

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2011–2012 Season

Join the NSO for an extraordinary season in the Concert Hall.

December Concerts Midori, violin, plays Britten Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Midori, violin OSVALDO GOLIJOV: Sidereus (NSO co-commission) BRITTEN: Violin Concerto SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 1

Thu., Dec. 1 at 7* | Fri., Dec. 2 at 8 | Sat., Dec. 3 at 8 *AfterWords: Thu., Dec. 1 performance followed by a free discussion with Christoph Eschenbach, Midori, and NSO Director of Artistic Planning Nigel Boon. The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation. Christoph Eschenbach

Midori

Handel’s Messiah Matthew Halls, conductor SUND Kiera Duffy, soprano AY MATIN EE Matthew Shaw, countertenor James Gilchrist, tenor Neal Davies, bass-baritone University of Maryland Concert Choir Edward Maclary, director HANDEL: Messiah

Thu., Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. | Fri., Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. | Sun., Dec. 18 at 1 p.m.

New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center Murry Sidlin, conductor Usher in the New Year with a dazzling concert featuring guest conductor Murry Sidlin, vocal soloists, and members of the National Symphony Orchestra.

Thu., Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m. Concert Hall, Tickets from $50 *Tickets for all New Year’s Eve evening performances and that day’s Kennedy Center restaurant receipts include admittance to the Grand Foyer Party. Usher in 2011 with a festive party and dance until 1 a.m. with Salon Orchestra of Washington and Full Swing.

The Canadian Tenors The Perfect Gift Steven Reineke, conductor The Children’s Chorus of Washington, Joan Gregoryk, director The holiday forecast from the NSO Pops and new Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke calls for a strong front moving in from the Great White North, so brace yourself for a blizzard of seasonally festive songs with Victor Micallef, Clifton Murray, Remigio Pereira, and Fraser Walters—four gifted young men who have dazzled the world with their diverse vocal styles and undeniable charm.

Thu., Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO. The 2011-2012 National Symphony Orchestra Pops Season is proudly sponsored by

Murry Sidlin

Tickets from $20 (except where noted) at the Box Office or charge by phone (202) 467-4600 Order online at nationalsymphony.org | Groups (202) 416-8400 | TTY (202) 416-8524 David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO. The NSO Music Director Chair is generously endowed by Roger and Vicki Sant. General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the National Symphony Orchestra Classical Season. The Beacon Newspaper is the proud media partner of the NSO.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Lavin

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

From page 58 New Century, and earned a Tony nomination last year for her role in Donald Margulies’ Collected Stories. She has also been refining her concert show Songs & Confessions of a One-Time Waitress. Lavin said she’s finally re-emerging after struggling with too few roles offered to women over 40. She quotes a verse from Sondheim: “First you’re another sloe-eyed vamp/Then someone’s mother/Then you’re camp.” She has not gotten to camp, but she has played Jennifer Lopez’s grandmother in The Back-Up Plan. When she is asked for guidance from up-and-coming actresses, Lavin stresses one thing. “I won’t give advice — I don’t believe in it. I believe in experience and sharing that,” she said. “I say that what happened for me was that work brings work. As long as it wasn’t morally reprehensible to me, I did it.” Now she is in the enviable position of having to turn down work. “I think it’s really, really good fortune and the fact that there are writers out there who know the value of women and what women have to say,” she said. “I don’t know how long it will last, but I’m happy to eat it up while it’s here.” — AP

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fect me, they are unnecessary and unfair. Beth Natale Via email Dear Editor: My husband and I are in the process of decluttering. I thought the letter from Rockville in your November issue was very bitter, but I know now what strong feelings and pain decluttering can bring. My husband and I (age 71) chose to have a do-it-yourself estate sale. We spent six weeks cleaning up items, pricing and doing research on the Web, setting up our “store” and doing the advertising. We cleared $1,000. It was a lot of work, but there were some good memories, too, such as seeing our things go to people who were excited to have them and shared our taste, meeting all sorts of people and having some funny stories to tell. Leftover items were donated to a local charity that is known for its outstanding work in the community. That also felt good. My advice is to declutter while you are

young and strong. As they say about aging, decluttering isn’t for sissies. Jane Roth Vienna, Va. Dear Editor: Your editorial and subsequent letters about downsizing touch on a critical issue: Which generation will deal with household accumulation? As organizers focused on helping people simplify, we find that elderly parents often leave the job to their children…[who] are finding this task daunting. We see many homes where the garage and spare rooms can’t be used because they are filled with boxes. More importantly, family treasures are buried under the accumulation as no one has time to sort through to find them. We encourage seniors and their families to start paring down now: set up a display of unwanted items to offer to relatives; ask people to identify items they want; [get rid of] the everyday, replaceable items that are no longer used, and use holidays to start identifying and recording family stories. Sometimes the story is more important than the item. Shirley Marshall Alexandria, Va. Dear Editor: Nice piece on West Virginia’s panhandle (“Nearby W.Va., healing for the body and soul,” October). However, while John Brown’s trial was at the courthouse in Harper’s Ferry, he was not hanged at the courthouse. Sam Custer Cain Via email

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box below. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

Business & Employment Opportunities OFFICE ASSISTANT – p/t for nonprofit organization promoting intergenerational programs. Downtown DC. General office, data entry duties. Flexible hours. Salary $13 hour. Email resume: gu@gu.org or fax 202-289-3952. FREE GAS! Receive $300 Gasoline Savings! Gasoline Stimulus Program provides $300 gas savings to participants of driving survey. Local Stations - Major Brands ! Call now 877-8989027. FREE GROCERIES! Receive $2000 in Grocery Savings! Grocery Stimulus Program provides $2000 savings to participants of shopping survey. ALL MAJOR AND LOCAL supermarkets! Call 877-301-1682. GET TRAINED TO FIX JETS at campuses coast to coast for jobs nationwide. Financial aid if you qualify. Call AIM (866)453-6204 or visit www.fixjets.com. MYSTERY SHOPPERS! Earn up to $150 daily. Get paid to shop pt/ft. Call now 1-888-7500193. OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL? 18-24 guys and girls needed. Travel American Hot spots. Paid training, travel and lodging. 877-646.5050. PROCESS MAIL! Pay Weekly! FREE Supplies! Bonuses! Genuine! Helping Homeworkers since 1992! Call 1-888-302-1522 www.howtowork-fromhome.com. SENIORS! SELL YOUR UNWANTED LIFE INSURANCE! State licensed. Call Toll Free: 877-282-4360 or visit www.AtAge60.com for a FREE evaluation.

Caregivers NEED HELP AT HOME? Beulah Home Services, Inc. can provide quality care for you 24/7. Choose you hours. Services include: personal care, meal preparation, assistance with household chores, medication reminder/monitoring, ADL’s, mobility, and accompanying patients to doctor visits. We have dependable, dedicated, compassionate staff. You will receive free consultation/initial RN assessment, plus 25% discount off your first month. (Licensed/bonded) Telephone # 301-502-6011.

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Caregivers

Financial Services

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

HERE AND NOW HOME CARE is a licensed agency offering many services in companionship and personal care. We offer responsible, reliable and affordable care 24 hours a day 7 days a week in 2 to 24 hour shifts. We provide services in homes, hospitals or nursing homes. Call us at 240-507-7120. http://www.hereandnowhomecare.com/services.

AVOID BANKRUPTCY! Settle debts for less. Call if more than $15,000 of credit card debt. (800) 699-9740.

LEISURE WORLD® - $204,900. 2BR 2FB. RARE “Q” model in “Turnberry Courts. Golf course views from table space kitchen and enclosed balcony, close to elevator, garage parking + golf cart space. 1111 sq ft. Stan Moffson 301-928-3463.

HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES Home staffing 24 hours a day for skilled nursing, assisted living, companionship, light housekeeping, errands and shopping. Quality care. Licensed & insured. Satebi Health Care, INC. (SHC) 301-879-4484. VERY RELIABLE, compassionate, aide, 20 years experience, available now. Mon-Sun FT/PT, Live I/O. CNA, GNA, MedTech licensed. Very punctual and caring. Please call 240-550-2584. CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE – reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes. MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com. GIVE A GIFT OF MASSAGE THERAPY for the Holidays! Licensed therapist will visit you or your loved one at home, on campus of Asbury Methodist Village Gaithersburg or in Shady Grove Hospital Rockville. Over 20 years experience. Call for more information 301-802-0830 or email: hohctr@gmail.com.

Computer Services PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. HOME. BUSINESS. Call: D. Guisset at 301-642-4526. GEEZER TECH SQUAD – For Seniors By Seniors. Computers fixed and explained. Help with other electronic equipment such as HD television and digital cameras. Introductory session $40 an hour, less than 50% of other providers. 301-802-6633. COMPUTER LESSONS – Personal Computer training at your home. Email, Internet, general computer use, and more. Learn at your own pace with gentle and patient tutor. We also fix computers, setup your new computer and troubleshoot. Working with Seniors since 1996. Ask about your Senior discount. Call David, 301762-2570, COMPUTERTUTOR.

Entertainment PUT THE MUSIC YOU LOVE BACK IN YOUR LIFE! Enjoy live jazz and swing on the first Friday of the month at Hollywood East Café, Westfield Wheaton Shopping Mall, 7 to 10 p.m. Listen to the Night & Day Combo perform the classic standard songs of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, from Cole Porter, Gershwin, et al. Great music, great food, no cover charge! http://nightanddaymusic.com/clubpage.html. GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT BOOK & GREETING CARDS! “Moon Over Vaudeville” charming morsel of 1930s entertainment history. Much of story set in DC. Many vintage photographs. Buy at www.MoonOverVaudeville.com – use discount code: ZLA8J4MM. By mail: PO Box 757, Bellingham, WA 98227. Enclose name, address, city & zip code plus a check for $22.90 ($17.95 + $4.95 shipping). 360-255-3790. Set of 4 bookmark greeting cards are $12.00.

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD M O T O R

M A D O F F

A B C S

C L O D

P R I M E D

N E W S H C R O N O U N O R

From page 62.

G D E E L N O O I A R L C A Y A H E A T S R I P T A E A R O N N S S

A L E S L O T K I D D E D

B L A B

S I E B R N L O O V I N R A N F A N D C O E S P R U A T R E E S E N J R E M O O F C A T I R T T L E E E Y E D R

D O V E T A I L

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For Sale/Rent: Real Estate LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 13. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert, Realtors. LEISURE WORLD® - $259,000. 2BR+ Den. 2FB “G” in Turnberry Courts. Freshly painted, golf course view. Shows like a model. 1446sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $92,000. 2BR 2FB “E” in the Greens. Table space kitchen, convenient to elevator, well maintained, 990 sq ft, Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $96,900. 2BR 2FB “E” in the “Fairways”. Close to the elevator, great views from enclosed balcony, Berber carpet, fresh paint, table space kitchen. 980 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $84,900. 1BR 1-1/2BA “Elizabeth” model. Recently renovated, New Appliances, custom window treatments, view of trees. 1308 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - 319,900. 3BR 2-1/2BA “M” in “Fairways”. Upgraded kitchen with Corian counters and extra pantry, separate dining room. Enclosed balcony, garage parking. 1530 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $275,000. 3BR 2FB modified “Cabot” with 1 car garage. All New Kitchen conversion, expanded dining and living room, 1530 sq. ft, Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $99,000. 2BR 2FB “Riviera” model. 2nd floor apt with updated kitchen, enclosed balcony and covered carport. 1412 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $159,000. 3BR 2FB “Capri” villa. Updated kitchen, open balcony, huge space. 1415 sq. ft. Stan Moffson, 301-9283463. LEISURE WORLD® - $89,000. 2BR 2FB “E” model in the “Greens”. Convenient to the elevator, fresh paint and carpet. Enclosed balcony with good view. 990 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $299,000. 3BR 2FB “L” in “Vantage Point”. Corner unit with 3 exposures, table space kitchen with window, enclosed balcony. One of the largest models in LW. 1720 sq ft. Stan Moffson 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $375,000. 3BR 2FB “Barstow” model patio home with 2 car garage, separate dining room and table space kitchen, Sunroom addition. 1320 sq ft. Stan Moffson 301928-3463.

NW UPPER LIVING ROOM BEDROOM. In private home. Share kitchen and bath. Near bus and train station. References and security required. 202-829-6358. ROOMS FOR RENT in private home, shared facilities, only non-smoking female, fully furnished, no pets $495 per month plus utilities. 301-233-4722. LEISURE WORLD RENTAL $1700 Unusual townhouse with 3 season room plus patio and brick end unit. Updated kitchen with window, Washer/Dryer, 2 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 1800 sq ft. Parking at your door utilities included. Freshly painted and ready for the holidays. L. Duvall, Exit Realty 301-728-8141. LEISURE WORLD RENTAL $1450 Beautiful townhouse with light-filled rooms, sep. dining room, kitchen, offers granite counters, Washer/Dryer, some wood flooring, 2 Bedrooms plus 2 1/2 baths, 1359 sq ft plus parking at your door. L. Duvall, Exit Realty 301-728-8141. FOR SALE: $49,900. Fantastic opportunity! 2BR 2nd floor co-op, 1035 sq ft, gorgeous view, new carpet, paint and appliances, screened-in balcony, age 55+ gated community in Silver Spring, 2 pets OK. Call Roberta Campbell, Weichert Realtors, 301-681-0550 (office) or 301801-7906 (cell). FOR RENT: $1100. Age 55+ gated community in Silver Spring. Bright 1-BR on 6th floor, 850 sq ft, enclosed glass balcony with tree-filled view, large dining room, kitchen with 2 pantries, bedroom with walk-in closet, lots of storage, new carpet. Seeking long-term tenant. Call Roberta Campbell, Weichert Realtors, 301-681-0550 (office) or 301-801-7906 (cell). SILVER SPRING $179,900 3 bed, 2 bath patio home in 55+ community. Living room with fireplace, sep. dining room, 1194 sq feet. Great value, Manuela Toms, Weichert Realtors, 240441-1999 (direct cell), 301-681-0550 (office). REAL ESTATE WANTED Sell your house ‘as is’ for a fair price on the date of your choice! WE buy houses! Call for 24 hour recorded info 1-800858-8753 box 3933 or www.reihouse.com or direct 1-800-998-9317. LAUREL MD - $398,000 world-class 55+ resort detached, 2675 sq ft, 3BR, 3BA, cherry granite ceramic gas fireplace. Grass, snow, gutter care. Request photos/floor plans jdelmedico@verizon.net 240-264-1617. FURNISHED ROOM – VICTORIAN HOUSE Short/medium term rental, all utilities, free wifi included. Semi-private bathroom, entrance, laundry, share large country kitchen. Five minutes to Metro. 703-609-3005.

Classifieds cont. on p. 63.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards. Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word. Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad. Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

The Beacon, D.C. Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 For information about display advertising, or to request a media kit, call (301) 949-9766.

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Puzzle Page

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Udder Nonsense by Stephen Sherr 1

19 22 27

36 40

37 42

Across 1. Car sticker stat. 4. Gently removes tears 8. Brainstorm 12. 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta, for example 13. Vogue rival 14. Ivy League school 15. Norse god of war 16. Lanky 17. Cherished 18. Dairy farmer’s conclusion to “To err is human” 21. Duke ___ 22. Competed in a marathon 23. Excessively 26. Mayberry ___ 27. Future milk and cream producers 31. Competitor to Google 32. Catches a glimpse of 33. Clearasil target 36. Play about Capote 38. The Sun ___ Rises 39. Comments by 10 Down 42. Alders and others 45. She never missed a day of giving milk 47. Orthodontist’s org. 50. 1960’s radical grp. 51. Mai ___ 52. Hammy actor 54. Knew about Holsteins 58. Sing like Bing 60. Juicy gossip 61. Sufferer of 33 Across, often 62. Guns and butter 63. Confederate, Robert ___ 64. “Como ___ usted?” 65. Neither neighbors 66. Blonde-ified 67. Numbered rd.

Down

JUMBLE ANSWERS

51 54

31 33

Scrabble answers on p. 61.

2. Prepared (as a pump) 3. Columbus’s birthplace 4. Barbarous barberess 5. Pub potables 6. Spill the beans 7. Spanish teacher, often 8. Monopoly token 9. Fit together 10. Lamb’s ma 11. Ampersand meaning 12. Go on a car trip 14. Window covers 19. Killer whale 20. Weathercock 24. Bullfight shouts 25. “There’s the respect that makes calamity ___ long life” (Hamlet) 28. Movie studio area 29. Specialty 30. Tax savin’ mavens 31. Once around the sun 33. Basics 34. Oaf 35. PBS show, since 1975 37. Coffee server 40. Rams’ opponents in Super Bowl XXXIV 41. Prepare for a bout 43. Removed a DVD 44. Author Bombeck 46. Teased 47. Bear witness 48. Computer key 49. Hockey hall 53. The weasel complains “Its always one tting or tte ___” 55. Long, long times 56. Opposite of dry, to a cosmetologist 57. On the house 58. Anderson Cooper’s channel 59. Tigger’s pal

1. Pyramid schemer

Answers on page 61.

Jumble Answers Jumbles: LYING INLET REBUKE BEHIND Answer: The scouts gathered wood because they had a - A "BURNING" NEED

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

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For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

Personal Services

Wanted

***FREE FORECLOSURE LISTINGS*** OVER 400,000 properties nationwide. Low down payment. Call now 800-250-2043.

MOTHER WILL DRIVE YOU to your appointments, do your shopping, clean your house, cooking, personal assistant. Do you need to plan an event? Also does Elder Care. Honest, reasonable rate, and references provided. 240-595-7467.

HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. Compare my price before you sell! Serving entire metro area. Call for a free consultation, and professional service. I will purchase one piece or your entire estate. Including Furniture, Artwork, Glassware, Jewelry, Rugs, Costume, Gold and Silver, Watches, Sterling Items, Flatware, Lladro & Hummel Figurines, All Military Items, Guns, Swords, Helmets, Bayonets, Medals, Scout Items, Clocks, Music Boxes, Toys, Baseball Memorabilia, Trains, All String Instruments, Including Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, Fishing Rods and Reels, Lures, Historical Items, American tools, Posters, Outside Iron Furniture. I am a very reputable dealer with two locations in Silver Spring and Bowie, MD. Please call Christopher Keller 301-408-4751 or 301-262-1299. Thank you.

COINS BOUGHT. Both United States and Foreign. Also paper money, postcards, military and automobile related items. Lifetime collector. Best after 7 PM. Kenny Holloway 703-3690520.

ARIZONA RANCH LOTS! 50%OFF! 15AAA+ View Lots $0Down! Starting $99/mo! Guaranteed Financing! Near Tucsons Intl Airport www.sunsiteslandrush.com 1-800-659-9957 PromoCode CPF. AVAILABLE NOW!!! 2-4 Bedroom homes Take Over Payments No Money Down/No Credit Check Call 1-888-269-9192. STOP RENTING Lease option to buy Rent to own No money down No credit check 1-877-395-0321.

For Sale PARKLAWN GARDEN OF LIFE ETERNAL Block 9 Lot 56. 1 burial space for 2 individuals near the column burial. Parklawn will sell a lot to you for $5,665.50. I will sell this lot to you for $4,500.00. Call 301-362-0439. RECORDS – Collector addition, clothes, TV & stand, stereo, DVD player, dishwasher, treadle sewing machine, pillow tops, carpet, baseball cards, vacuum cleaner, fan, Irish apparel, reading material, painting, misc. items, ETC! Negotiable – 410-654-6917. A NEW COMPUTER NOW!!! Brand Name Laptops & Desktops. Bad or NO Credit - No Problem Smallest weekly payments avail. It’s yours NOW - Call 800-893-0831. DISH NETWORK More Choices, More savings! FREE HD FOR LIFE. Packages starting at $24.99 for 12 months w/60 channels 1-888444-7854 Restrictions apply. Call for details. STEEL BUILDINGS: 4 only 25x36, 30x48, 40x52, 45x82. Sell For Balance Owed! Free Delivery! 1-800- 411-5869 x272.

Home/Handyman Services MICHAELS HAULING Clean-outs, scrap & debris removal yard waste, etc. Mulch, dirt & stone delivery, lite dump truck, 20’ trailer & bobcat. Fully insured. 240-388-1898.

Miscellaneous CELL PHONE SAVINGS. I have used several cell phone services and this is the best! Plans from $20 – $59.99 per month. www.myfreewireless2.com or 1-800-438-2704. A NEW COMPUTER NOW!!! Brand Name Laptops & Desktops. Bad or NO Credit - No Problem Smallest weekly payments avail. It’s yours NOW - Call 800-893-0831. ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-494-3586 www.CenturaOnline.com. CASH FOR CARS, Any Make or Model! Free Towing. Sell it TODAY. Instant offer: 1-800-864-5784. DISH NETWORK lowest nationwide price $19.99/MO. FREE HBO/Cinemax/Starz FREE Blockbuster FREE HD-DVR and install. Next day install 1-800-306-5814. DISH NETWORK More Choices, More savings! FREE HD FOR LIFE. Packages starting at $24.99 for 12 months w/60 channels 1-888444-7854 Restrictions apply. Call for details. FREE GAS! Receive $300 Gasoline Savings! Gasoline Stimulus Program provides $300 gas savings to participants of driving survey. Local Stations - Major Brands ! Call now 877-898-9027. FREE GROCERIES! Receive $2000 in Grocery Savings! Grocery Stimulus Program provides $2000 savings to participants of shopping survey. ALL MAJOR AND LOCAL supermarkets! Call 877-301-1682. PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? You choose from families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. 866-413-6292, 24/7 Void/Illinois.

Personal Services WOW! GREAT HAIRCUT at a great price! Professional family hair salon conveniently located in Bethesda, MD. State board certified. Call 240-432-7211.

WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854. FOR ALL OF YOUR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. Dialysis Center, Non-Emergency Hospital Trips, Hospital Discharge, Doctor Appointments, Rehabilitation & More. We have 4x4 SUVs for Winter Trips. Med Choice Transportation. 703-839-9999. www.MedChoiceTransportation.com. PARALEGAL: Experienced in trusts, estates and will preparation and other letters and paperwork. Call 301-565-2917. VAN MAN – For your driving needs. Shopping, appointments, pick-up and deliver – airport van. Call Mike 301-565-4051.

Vacation Opportunities BEST AIRFARE TO ASIA. We are China Tour Specialists. Serving the Washington D.C. Metro Area; Phone 703-992-8990; email witspeter@yahoo.com; Website www.chinawidetravel.com.

Wanted MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan (202) 841-3062. FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree] knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from Oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan 301-279-8834. Thank you. STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301309-6637. Stampex1@gmail.com. VINYL RECORDS WANTED from the 20s through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections preferred. Please call John, 301-596-6201. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, ESTATES. FREE evaluations and house calls. We pay the most for your valuable treasures because we get the most money on eBay – the worldwide Internet. Serving entire metro area – Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia. Buying the following items – furniture, art, paintings, silver, gold, old coins, jewelry, vintage wristwatches, military items, including guns, rifles, swords, daggers, knives, musical instruments, guitars, violins, banjos, old toys, dolls, trains, old golf clubs, baseball, football, tennis equipment and memorabilia, old fishing, tools, books, photographs, comic books. I am a resident of Silver Spring. 20 years experience. Please call Tom 240-476-3441. Thank you. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom. Call anytime 301-654-8678 or 301-654-0838. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES Call me first! Furniture, China, Hummels, Sports, Glass, Paintings, Gold, Silver Flatware, Costume & High-end Jewelry, Music Instruments, Hunting, Fishing Items, Military Items, Guns, Swords, Helmets, Wind-up Watches, Art, Clocks, Dolls, Music Boxes, Old Toys, Bronzes, Lamps, ETC. Please call Mike Keller 301-731-0982 or 301-742-5031. NO TEXTING PLEASE.

ESTATE BUY-OUTS / CLEAN-OUTS FROM BASEMENT-GARAGE-ATTIC-STORAGE UNITS. ELECTRONICS, RECORD COLLECTIONS, TUBES, HI-FI SPEAKERS, ACCUMULATIONS. CASH PAYMENT, PROMPT REMOVAL. PLEASE CALL 240-478-1100 OR 410-740-5222. COLLECTOR BUYING MODERN FURNITURE, lighting, art & accessories form the 1940’s – 1970’[s. Danish/Scan, Knoll, Herman Miller, Dunbar, Paul Evans, Thayer Coggin, Harvey Probber, Vladimir Kagan, Nakashima, etc. Also buying abstract modern art, ceramics, glass and records. Please call 202-213-9768. WANTED: ELECTRONICS, radio tubes, ham radios, huge old loud speakers, tube HiFi, stereo amps, earliest computers ever made, vinyl records, professional musical instruments, scientific curiosities, early electronic books, magazines, engineers, physicists, scientist, accumulations. 202-527-9501, vcvdc@msn.com.

WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202726-4427, MD 301-332-4697. WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158. LOOKING FOR AN INVESTOR to purchase Safe House for Children. Contact Acee, 301-2090457. Kettering Area. $$OLD GUITARS WANTED$$ Gibson, Fender, Martin, Gretsch. 1920’s to 1980’s. Top Dollar paid. Toll Free: 1-866-433-8277. TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: 1-800-4546951. WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS Any kind/brand. Unexpired up to $22.00. Shipping Paid Hablamos espanol 1-800-266-0702 www.selldiabeticstrips.com. WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI 1970-1980 Z1-900, KZ900, KZ 1000, H2-750, H1-500, S1-250, S2-250, S2-350, S3-400 CASH. 1-800-772-1142, 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com. YEARBOOKS “Up to $15 paid for high school yearbooks 1900-1988. yearbookusa@yahoo.com or 972-768-1338.”

Words of the month The curious origins of our words and rituals

December and January The names of the last and first months of the year are Latin in origin. December takes its name from decem, the number 10, going back to a time when the calendar had only 10 months. January derives from the Roman god Janus (shown here). He was a twoheaded deity, — the keeper of gates and doors, able to look both front and back — even as January looks both behind and ahead to the old and new year.

Auld Lang Syne This traditional New Year's Eve song was first published by the Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1796. But it was bandleader Guy Lombardo who popularized the song and turned it into a tradition. Lombardo first played the song at midnight at a New Year's Eve party at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City in 1929. After that, Lombardo's version of the song was played every year at the Waldorf Astoria until 1976. Auld Lang Syne literally translates to "old long since" and means "times gone by." The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember people of the past with fondness. Prepared by Wizard Communications© All rights reserved. To submit a word or phrase to be researched, contact Wizard Communications at jpozga@verizon.net .

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